Shillong: The Meghalaya government has launched an ambitious project named the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project with an outlay of Rs 7.3 billion (around $87 million) that aims to develop the state into a booming tourism destination by leveraging its vast natural beauty.

The project received concept clearance on September 18, 2021, followed by financing approval on July 18, 2022. The New Development Bank (NDB) has committed to an initial funding limit of $79 million, while the present funding remains unchanged.

Meghalaya's lush scenery, virgin forests spanning 76% of the total area, riverine systems, and attractive terrain make it an ideal destination for ecotourism. Recognizing this, the state administration is strategically focused on tourism to stimulate economic growth.

Tourism, as a multi-sectoral activity, has the potential to boost many sectors of the economy by providing opportunities for economic development, poverty reduction, and revenue production. Furthermore, the sector's labor-intensive character is predicted to generate a wide range of job possibilities for both skilled and unskilled individuals, which will assist micro, small, and medium-sized firms.

The Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project encompasses the construction of nine tourism and ecotourism attractions, the development of 323 accommodation units at strategic locations to enhance the length of tourists' stays, the construction of 114 kilometers of roads and bridges, including the Shillong Peak ropeway for "improved access," and institutional capacity building and project management. The project also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing road travel with the ropeway system.

The primary objective of the project is to construct infrastructure that promotes tourism, leading to the development of five ecotourism circuits, as identified by the Government of Meghalaya. Anticipated outcomes include an increase in both domestic and international tourists, longer average stays, and direct employment opportunities for over 1,400 people during the operational phase. 

Scheduled for completion by July 2028, the Government of Meghalaya will serve as the executing agency, with Meghalayan Age Limited appointed as the implementing agency.

This project has been categorized as Category B according to the NDB Environment and Social Framework (ESF). Main environmental and social impacts include the utilization of community land for infrastructure development, the diversion of forest land, the potential impact on indigenous communities, and occupational and community health and safety concerns during project implementation. To address these challenges, the project will adhere to the country's system and implement environmental and social management plans, including the ESF Impact Management Plan, to minimize and mitigate the identified impacts.