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The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Isolated incidents should not tarnish Meghalaya's image: Tourism Minister
GUWAHATI Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday (May 29, 2025) said it was unfair to label the hill State unsafe for tourists based on a couple of incidents reported in less than two months. He said the recent cases— the death of a Hungarian tourist and the disappearance of a couple from Indore in Madhya Pradesh within a span of 57 days in East Khasi Hills district— highlight the need to ensure that visitors do not venture beyond designated safe zones without authorised guides. There has been no trace of the Indore couple, Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi, since May 24, when they reportedly set out for Sohra (Cherrapunjee) from Shillong on a hired two-wheeler. The vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside. Search operations by the police and local communities, assisted by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) using thermal drones, have so far yielded no results. Incessant rainfall and slippery conditions have hampered the efforts, officials said. Two MPs from Madhya Pradesh— Shankar Lalwani and Sumer Singh Solanki— who are in Meghalaya to monitor the ongoing search operation, said the State authorities had not spared any effort in locating the missing couple. 'Questions are being raised about whether or not Meghalaya is safe for tourists. A person from Meghalaya has not been traced after disappearing in Thailand. Does that mean Thailand is unsafe for tourists?' Mr. Lyngdoh asked. He said tourism-related mishaps occur across the world, and that the death of the Hungarian national and the disappearance of the Indore couple should not be viewed as evidence of systemic failure. 'These incidents are unfortunate, but we cannot possibly police every inch of all tourist destinations in the State,' he said. Mr. Lyngdoh added that guiding systems, particularly at ecologically sensitive sites such as the living root bridges, were already in place. 'However, tourists venture beyond designated safe zones,' he noted. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum has demanded stricter regulations barring tourists from venturing out without a guide while trekking or hiking in rural and challenging terrain. 'The recent incidents necessitate a system that makes it mandatory for all visitors to take a local guide. Using a guide is voluntary now, but a strict policy can ensure total safety for visitors,' said Alan West Kharkongor, president of the Forum. Prior to the Indore couple's disappearance, Hungarian tourist Puskas Zsolt was reported missing after checking into a hotel in Shillong on March 29. His decomposed body was retrieved on April 10 from a steep slope near Ramdait village in the Shella area of Sohra subdivision, close to the Bangladesh border.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Meghalaya group opposes ecotourism project in wildlife sanctuary
GUWAHATI A youth organisation has opposed an ecotourism development project in Meghalaya's Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, citing a potential threat to its delicate ecosystem. In a letter submitted to the State's Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) and the Director of Wildlife Preservation on May 6, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) called for scrapping the planned ecotourism project in and around the 29 sq. km sanctuary in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district. The HYC was the second organisation to oppose the project worth ₹23.7 crore. Green-Tech Foundation (GTF), a Shillong-based environmental group, had petitioned the State's Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, against the proposed infrastructure project. The project, awarded to the Eco-Development Society of Meghalaya a few weeks ago, entails the construction of tourist dwellings, glass skywalks, a water sports arena and other tourist-friendly amenities. 'The sanctuary is a crucial habitat for various species of animals, birds, reptiles, insects, and plants. Any tourism activities will disrupt the fragile ecology of this protected area,' the HYC's president, Roykupar Synrem, said. He also said tourism-related projects should not be allowed in and around protected areas. The GTF's chairman, H.B.N. Nonglang, told journalists in April that Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is too small for infrastructure projects and has been well-managed with minimal human interaction. 'Instead of the infrastructure project, the government should direct the funds toward developing communities around the sanctuary to ensure improved livelihood and employment opportunities,' he said. Established in 1981, the sanctuary is home to more than 400 species of birds, including the endangered rufous-necked hornbill. In 2021, the Management Effectiveness Evaluation report of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries said Nongkhyllem was the best-protected area in the northeast. Villagers and NGOS have been protesting infrastructure projects in and around protected areas and wetlands elsewhere in the northeast too. These include an oil exploration project near the Hoolock Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Assam and a logistics park adjoining the Dorabeel wetland near Guwahati.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Over 13k vehicles in Meghalaya to be taken off roads: Minister
Shillong: The Meghalaya cabinet on Thursday approved the Vehicle Scrappage Policy (VSP), under which approximately 13,000 vehicles will be taken off the roads in the first phase, in a bid to reduce vehicular pollution. Cabinet minister and ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said, "We will address the matter by first taking off govt vehicles which are 15 years and older. Around 5,000 govt vehicles come under the scrappage policy and will be removed from the roads". Regarding private vehicles, he added, "We will first implement the policy by limiting it to vehicles that are 35 years and older, and there are about 8,000 such vehicles". He further said, "Altogether, 5,000 govt vehicles and 8,000 private vehicles make up the 13,000 vehicles that will be off the roads as per this policy". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo Emphasising on the benefits of the policy, Lyngdoh said, "The major benefit is to allow the govt to reduce pollution levels, lower fuel imports, and promote recycling of raw materials". He also said Shillong currently has approximately 2,76,262 registered vehicles. The minister further said this step was in line with similar initiatives being undertaken across the country.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Digital aid for Khasi, Garo to pull down language barriers
Shillong: Govt of Meghalaya signed an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division , Union ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), to launch and integrate Garo and Khasi languages into the BHASHINI platform. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of CM Conrad Sangma and minister of art and culture, Paul Lyngdoh. Also present were distinguished members of the Khasi Literature Society and A'chik Literature Society. BHASHINI, a flagship initiative under the Digital India programme, envisions leveraging cutting-edge natural language technologies to build a diverse and inclusive ecosystem that transcends language barriers. Already implemented in 22 Indian languages, the inclusion of Garo and Khasi will now enable Meghalaya to join a select group of states making their indigenous languages digitally accessible across the nation. "Who could imagine that one day, through the power of Artificial Intelligence, we would be able to digitally translate what we say and understand what it means? Technology today has reached a level that was once unimaginable. This step will have a profound impact across all aspects of society and governance, from grassroots communication to enhancing tourism, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare," the CM said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Lost Their Money - Learn From Their Lesson Expertinspector Click Here Undo Highlighting the broader implications, he added, "This initiative will revolutionise how govt departments communicate and engage with citizens. It will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in making governance more inclusive and effective. I encourage everyone to use technology to forward job creation, innovation and entrepreneurship."
Hans India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Meghalaya govt signs MoU for integration of Garo and Khasi language in digital platform
Shillong: In a landmark step towards linguistic inclusion and technological advancement, the Meghalaya government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), for the launch and integration of Garo and Khasi languages into the BHASHINI platform, officials said on Tuesday. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, and Minister of Art and Culture, Paul Lyngdoh. Also present were distinguished members of the Khasi Literature Society and A'chik Literature Society. BHASHINI, a flagship initiative under the Digital India programme, envisions leveraging cutting-edge natural language technologies to build a diverse and inclusive ecosystem that transcends language barriers. Already implemented in 22 Indian languages, the inclusion of Garo and Khasi will enable Meghalaya to join a select group of states making their indigenous languages digitally accessible across the nation. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed his pride, stating, "Who could imagine that one day, through the power of Artificial Intelligence, we would be able not only to digitally translate what we say but also what we mean? Technology today has reached a level that was once unimaginable. This step will have a profound impact across all aspects of society and governance, from grassroots communication to enhancing tourism, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare." Highlighting the broader implications, he added, "This initiative will revolutionise how government departments communicate and engage with citizens. It will open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and help in making governance more inclusive and effective. I encourage everyone to use technology to forward job creation, innovation, and entrepreneurship." As part of the initial implementation, a State Language Mission for Bhashini has been constituted under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, D.P. Wahlang. The Mission will ensure seamless integration, research, and the continued development of digital resources for the Garo and Khasi languages, including the incorporation of distinct alphabets and dialectical nuances. The Chief Minister emphasised that while technology will facilitate overcoming challenges, it is critical to preserve the essence of indigenous languages and cultures. "Language is our identity. Culture defines who we are. While we embrace technology, we must never forget our roots. Our government is committed to research, conservation, and documentation of the languages, cultures, and histories of all tribes and communities in Meghalaya," the chief minister added. Discussions are also ongoing to explore deeper historical and cultural connections between the tribes of Meghalaya and those in other regions, such as Myanmar and Cambodia, the chief minister informed. The Bhashini app has the Khasi language and will mature after getting input from the state. However, the Garo language is in the process of being built into the AI model form, the data is being collected now. The MoU with Meghalaya will speed up and act as a catalyst in adding Garo to the Bhashini App, and of course, to mature the Khasi language. Experts said: "The initiative is a significant milestone and step towards integration of Garo and Khasi languages with all 22 Indian languages and brings about cultural integration and intellectual exchange of ideas and thoughts. It will promote tourism and rural innovation, and last-mile connectivity and integration." CEO Digital India Bhashini Division, Amitabh Nag and Commissioner Secretary, IT Department, Pravin Bakshi signed the MoU for implementation of the initiative in the state.
