Govt receives Rs 700 cr from Japan agency for tourism

Tura, Dec 14 : Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the state government received  Rs 700 crore from Japan International Coperation Agency (JICA ) for promotion and  development of tourism sector in the state out of which R 350 crore each for Khasi Hills and Garo Hills respectively has been earmarked.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Eco Resort of the tourism department at scenic Sakal A.duma village under the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve on Tuesday.

The chief minister said it will be one of the best tourist resorts in the North East and added that Rs 23 crore will be spent for the project with widely accepted design and will be completed within a year.

Conrad said a water reservoir project to protect and preserve the rivers and streams and other water bodies will soon be implemented in the state.

Thomas Sangma informed that the resort will have information centre which will be a centre of learning for the tourists and the researchers and urged the Agriculture and Veterinary departments to take up schemes in this region.

Marcuise Marak, while speaking about the promotion and development of tourism in the area, informed the gathering that the development of Rongram-Rongrenggre-Darugre road will soon be started thereby providing better road communication for the people of Rombagre, Rongsakgre, Samandagre and others.

Earlier, the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, Tourist Officer, Ava Shereen Sangma and Nokma of Sasatgre village also spoke.