SHILLONG, MAY 25: The tourism sector has played a key role in reviving livelihoods in Sohra after the 2014 coal ban, with communities now partnering with the government on major projects, NPP legislator Gavin Mylliem said Monday.

He, however, conceded that regulating prices of private accommodations remains “very difficult” for the government.

Speaking to reporters, Mylliem noted that areas like Laitryngew and Mawkhma were heavily dependent on coal before the ban.

“Of course we cannot deny the fact that in the past many years since the coal ban in the year 2014… most of them were dependent upon coal for their economy. But after the coal ban, you cannot deny the fact that the tourism sector has really help to uplift the economic livelihood of the people in the area,” he said.

Mylliem added that Sohra has emerged as a global destination.

“Yes, Sohra has been able to captivate tourists not only from our country but even tourists from all parts of the world. We can see that slowly that the people have started to realise the tourism sector has really contributed a lot towards the economic livelihood of our people,” he stated.

The Sohra MLA said local communities have extended support to government-led tourism initiatives funded under PM-Divine, World Bank, and ADB schemes.

“So, of course, we can see that all the communities have also extended their hands to the government and especially with these projects under PM-Divine, World Bank, ADB scheme, we could see the certain proportion that needs to be shared with the government and the communities have also accepted the offer from the government,” he said.

“Due to this fact, we do understand that people from the area and the communities have realised that this particular sector has really contributed towards the economy of the area,” he added.

On whether the government can regulate tariffs of hotels and homestays to ensure affordability, Mylliem said it was a complex issue.

“That is a very difficult question because of course regulating the price when it comes to the private accommodations, of course, it is very difficult on the part of the government to regulate,” he said.

He pointed out that high-end options in Sohra are currently limited.

“In areas like Sohra, presently I think only the Jiva, Polo Orchid are offering just high-end accommodation so of course let’s see what the government has in the days to come to ensure that affordable accommodation can be provided to the people,” Mylliem stated.