In a major boost to Meghalaya’s tourism landscape, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Development of Sohra Tourism Circuit, a ₹233-crore initiative that promises to transform Sohra (Cherrapunji) into a model for sustainable and community-led tourism.
Funded under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, the project aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure, enhance visitor experience, and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The ceremony, held at Kutmadan, Sohra, was attended by Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed, and several other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the Sohra Tourism Circuit embodies 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,” Scindia said.
Highlighting the government’s unprecedented focus on the Northeast, Scindia noted that budgetary allocation for the region has risen from ₹36,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1 lakh crore today, with over ₹50,000 crore invested in rural road connectivity. “Connectivity and tourism are the twin engines of development in the Northeast,” he stressed, adding that projects such as the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway worth ₹22,680 crore, which will pass close to Sohra, will significantly enhance accessibility.
Detailing the Sohra projects being undertaken — including the development of Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Caves, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, Shella Riverside, and Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint — the Union Minister said these sites will be developed as world-class tourist attractions under PM-DevINE. “These world-class projects will give Sohra a new identity — not just as a tourist destination but as a benchmark for responsible tourism across the country,” he said.
Scindia praised Meghalaya’s community-based tourism model, calling it an example of harmony between people and nature. “Nowhere else in the world do nature, culture, and community coexist in such harmony as they do here in Meghalaya. This harmony is the foundation of its growth,” he remarked.
He also lauded Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s leadership, saying, “The passion and dedication of the Chief Minister and his team are visible in every initiative taken in this state. Meghalaya is not waiting for the future — it is building it.”
Calling the Sohra Tourism Circuit a symbol of balance between development and preservation, Scindia emphasized, “The beauty of Meghalaya is divine, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Tourism must empower, not exploit.”
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment, he said, “This is the decade of the Northeast. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are committed to transforming this region into a new engine of India’s growth.”
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in his address, expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister and Union Minister Scindia, calling the event a historic and memorable moment for Sohra and Meghalaya.
“This project is happening only because of the blessings, kindness, and large heart of our Hon’ble Minister, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia,” Sangma said. “It is not just about developing one destination — it’s about realizing a vision to build world-class, sustainable tourist destinations across the country.”
He described the Sohra Tourism Circuit as a “game changer” for Meghalaya’s tourism sector.
“The number of tourists visiting Meghalaya is increasing every year, but our focus now is on improving the overall experience — from infrastructure to connectivity — so that visitors stay longer and spend more time in our communities,” he added.
Sangma also announced plans to boost connectivity through a new airport project and proposed helicopter services linking Shillong, Sohra, and other key destinations.
“We are hopeful that all of this will come together to take Meghalaya’s tourism sector to new heights,” he said, assuring that the state government will ensure timely and successful implementation of the project.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira underlined the state’s mission to develop Sohra into a world-class destination blending nature, culture, and innovation.
“Our mission is to make Sohra a destination where people stay longer, explore deeper, and engage with local communities,” he said.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed, in his welcome address, highlighted Meghalaya’s strong tourism growth, with over 16 lakh annual visitors, and stressed the need for clean, responsible, and diversified tourism.
“We have the cleanest villages and rivers, and we must now become the cleanest destination,” he said.
