Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank has sanctioned $79 million for the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project which will help in setting up of five ecotourism projects.

Meghalaya is a hilly state endowed with significant ecotourism potential, including virgin forests, ample riverine systems, scenic topography, and many natural hotspots: root bridges, underground tunnels, waterfalls, biodiversity, and others. It is also known for the distinct social and cultural heritage of the tribal people and their traditional governance systems.

New Development Bank (NDB) was established in 2015 with the purpose of mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The project will support infrastructure development in the tourism sector. Tourism sector is a multi-sectoral activity and has the potential to stimulate different sectors of the economy, unlocking opportunities for economic development, poverty alleviation, and income generation. The sector is also labor intensive, thereby presenting a wide spectrum of job opportunities for the skilled/unskilled workforce and benefiting micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Project will cover urban, semi-urban and rural areas of Meghalaya. The major components of the Project will be to i) develop key tourist attraction points (ecotourism hubs), (ii) ensure their accessibility and connectivity by construction/upgrade of roads, bridges, ropeways, etc, and iii) create basic tourist accommodation.

Meghalaya which has one of the lowest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita amongst states in the country is planning to focus on promoting the tourism sector to sustain the economic growth.

Official sources said investments will foster much needed infrastructure in Meghalaya state that will lead to the establishment of 5 ecotourism circuits. The project includes the construction 114km of roads and bridges.

The Lamphelpat Waterbody Rejuvenation Project has been included and the investments will contribute to the development of the waterbody, greenspaces and tourism facilities.

"A technology-driven real time flood management system with early warning capacity will also be set up and thus improve efficiency in flood prevention, as well as timely delivery of relief and recovery efforts to the flood affected region" sources said.

Meghalaya government has launched ‘Homestay scheme’ to increase accomodation for tourists in convergence with the PMEGP. Under this program, the State government will provide a subsidy of 35%, in addition to the 35% subsidy given by the Government of India under PMEGP.

The government's aim is to build 2,500 such homestays in the next five years. The residents will benefit as they stand to earn up to Rs. 50,000 per month paying an EMI of only Rs. 5,000.

For instance, through the funding provided by the government, the Mawmluh Tourism and Allied Activities Cooperative Society has set up luxury tents at Mawmluh, Sohra. This has created employment opportunities for the 15- 20 locals in the village. Similar initiatives are being taken up in another 25 villages to create employment and generate income in rural areas” he said.

Meanwhile Meghalaya Cabinet has cleared the Meghalaya Ropeway Bill 2022 which will lay down the procedures for different passenger/tourist Ropeways that are in the pipeline eg., the Shillong Peak Ropeway funded for ₹140 Cr (approx) through the New Development Bank.

The Bill will give a proper structure on how applications can be made for ropeways & the guidelines to be followed for setting up, the modalities for licences & safety measures for their set up.

"This will ensure that a standard procedure is set, keeping in mind the overall safety of the passengers/tourists. This Bill will be placed before the Assembly in the upcoming session" officials said.

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