Shillong Jan 31: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the website of Krang Shuri Adventure Tours and inaugurated the locally promoted tourist spots of Kudengrim village at two separate functions in Amlarem Civil Sub-Division.

Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and C&RD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar were also present on the occasion along with government officials and invited guests.

Lauding the initiative of the local groups and societies engaged in promoting tourism, the Chief Minister stressed on the need to create and promote sustainable avenues of livelihood for the people especially the youth in rural areas.

‘More than five hundred people have been employed due to the initiative of groups like the Raid Buam Environmental Protection Association and their various projects. It is important for us to encourage parallel systems of livelihood and employment generation. Development of the rural areas of the State is important for the overall growth of the State. We must ensure that the programs and policies of the government reach the people at the grassroots level. Uplift of the rural economy through employment generation is the objective of the government ’, the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister informed that an amount close to Rs 30 crore has been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure development in Jaintia Hills Districts and a little over three crore has been sanctioned for the development of Krang Shuri area alone.

The funds will be used for development of cafeteria and public convenience sheds, landscaping and pathway development, solar lighting, parking lots and other such activities.

The Chief Minister also termed technology as a big enabler for promotion and publicity of lesser known places of immense tourism potential in the region.

Technology is one of the biggest advantages that we have in today’s world, he said, while lauding the innovative efforts of a group of local youth engaged in promoting the tourist spots of Kudengrim through beautifully shot videos and photographs uploaded to youtube and social media sites. It gives me immense pleasure to see that people are taking initiatives at their own level to ensure that we take tourism to a new level, he added.

While urging the people to take advantage of the strategic location of the State for promotion of international tourism the Chief Minister also cautioned the people against over commercialization and unplanned growth of tourist destinations.

“I would like to urge all stakeholders to ensure that there is no over commercialization of tourism. Unplanned infrastructure developments diminish rather than enhance the attractiveness of these beautiful locations. Sometimes we spoil by developing infrastructure that does not go well with the surroundings. It is important to promote and preserve the natural beauty of these scenic places,” the Chief Minister said.