Sohra, Nov 1: Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit, a ₹233-crore project aimed at transforming Sohra into a model of sustainable and community-driven tourism.
The ceremony, held at Kutmadan, Sohra, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, and other dignitaries. Funded by the Ministry of DoNER under the PM-DevINE Scheme, the initiative seeks to strengthen infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Scindia said the project reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make the Northeast a key pillar of India’s growth story. “The PM-DevINE initiative was launched to ensure that no corner of our country is left behind. Today’s foundation laying in Sohra is not just about building infrastructure; it is about building futures,” he said. He added that the Centre’s support for the region had grown exponentially, with the budget for the Northeast rising from ₹36,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1,00,000 crore today.
Highlighting the development of major tourism sites including Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Caves, and Wah Kaba Falls, Scindia said the Sohra Tourism Circuit would become a benchmark for responsible and eco-friendly tourism. “The beauty of Meghalaya is divine, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Tourism must empower, not exploit,” he said.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called the occasion historic and credited the Centre’s vision and Scindia’s leadership for making the project possible. “This project represents a new chapter for Sohra and Meghalaya. It is not just about developing one destination — it is about realizing a vision to build world-class, sustainable tourist circuits across the country,” he said.
He emphasized that the Sohra project would serve as a model for India, enhancing connectivity, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities while promoting Meghalaya’s image as a responsible tourism hub. “The number of tourists visiting Meghalaya is increasing every year, but our focus now is on improving the overall experience — from infrastructure to accessibility — so that visitors stay longer and engage deeper,” he added.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said the government’s mission is to make Sohra a destination where visitors “stay longer, explore deeper, and engage with local communities,” adding that tourism projects are creating new jobs and empowering youth across the state.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted Meghalaya’s growing tourism potential, stating that with over 16 lakh visitors annually, the focus must now shift toward clean, diversified, and sustainable tourism experiences.
The landmark project marks a new era in Meghalaya’s tourism development and stands as a testament to collaborative federal effort under the PM-DevINE scheme to transform the Northeast into a dynamic growth engine for the nation.
