Sohra, Nov 1: In a move poised to transform Meghalaya’s tourism landscape, Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation for the ₹233-crore Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit, a flagship project under the PM-DevINE Scheme that seeks to blend infrastructure growth with environmental and cultural preservation.
More than just a tourism upgrade, the Sohra Circuit is being hailed as India’s first model for community-led, climate-resilient tourism development, setting a national precedent for how fragile ecosystems like Meghalaya’s can balance growth with conservation.
“This project is not about building infrastructure alone — it’s about building futures,” said Union Minister Scindia, underscoring the Centre’s vision to make the Northeast “a new engine of India’s growth.” He emphasized that connectivity and tourism would serve as the “twin engines of development” for the region.
The Sohra Tourism Circuit will cover key natural attractions including Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Caves, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, Shella Riverside, and the Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint. Each site will see the development of eco-sensitive facilities, improved access, and community participation in maintenance and visitor management.
Scindia said the initiative aims to make Sohra a benchmark for responsible tourism, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of the environment. “The beauty of Meghalaya is divine — and tourism must empower, not exploit,” he remarked.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma called the project a game changer for Meghalaya’s economy, saying it would create employment opportunities, strengthen community enterprises, and increase visitor spending across the state. “Tourists are coming to Meghalaya in greater numbers, but now our focus is on how long they stay and how much they engage with our communities,” he said.
Sangma also announced plans to expand air and helicopter connectivity between Shillong, Sohra, and other destinations, with an upcoming airport project on the cards. “We are building a tourism model that puts our people and environment at the center,” he added.
Funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the PM-DevINE (Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region) scheme focuses on inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact projects. Scindia highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, funding for the Northeast has nearly tripled, rising from ₹36,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1,00,000 crore today.
Connectivity projects such as the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (₹22,680 crore) are expected to complement tourism growth in Sohra and beyond.
Union Minister Scindia lauded Meghalaya’s unique tourism ethos, saying, “Nowhere else do nature, culture, and community coexist so beautifully. Sohra will show the world that growth and green can go together.”
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said the government’s goal is to ensure that visitors “stay longer, explore deeper, and engage meaningfully” with local communities, while Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed noted that with over 1.6 million annual visitors, Meghalaya is ready to “evolve from clean villages to becoming India’s cleanest tourism destination.”
Earlier, the Union Minister had a two hour long hike through Rangthylliang, the world’s longest living root bridge spanning over 50m, felt like being cradled by Mother Nature herself.
“There was something deeply grounding about walking on roots that have grown strong over centuries. It reminded me that just as she gives us a firm footing, it’s on us to protect her in return and to nurture, what nurtures us.
A quiet moment, a lasting lesson. I bow my head in reverence to our Mother Nature’s eternal grace and wisdom” he said.
He visited the Mushroom Development Centre in Upper Shillong and witnessed firsthand how local innovation and enterprise are transforming lives, empowering farmers, creating jobs and shaping a self-reliant North East.
“What a wonderful example of sustainable growth & development rooted in community spirit” he said.
