Shillong, June 22: Tourism Boost: Meghalaya Transfers 273 Acres of Urban Land from Agriculture to Tourism Department

In a major policy push to strengthen urban tourism infrastructure, the Meghalaya government has approved the transfer of 273.41 acres of unused land from the Agriculture Department to the Tourism Department. The land parcels, spread across key urban and semi-urban locations, include areas in Shillong such as the IB campus zone, Lee Junction, Nomsdea, and L. Ponging Island.

Under a long-term lease arrangement, the Tourism Department will hold the land for 60 years at a nominal lease rate of just ₹1 per acre, with a potential extension of another 30 years. Despite the symbolic pricing, 90% of the revenue generated from tourism-related leases and activities will flow back to the Agriculture Department, ensuring mutual departmental benefit.

The Tourism Department has outlined ambitious plans to develop eco-tourism hubs, lake cruises, and a blend of luxury and mid-range accommodations. The aim is to reimagine these underutilized spaces as vibrant tourism hotspots, while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

In a notable move to ensure grassroots participation, the government has prioritized investment opportunities for local entrepreneurs and self-help groups (SHGs) with strong credit histories, empowering community ownership in the state’s tourism-led growth.

This landmark land transfer reflects a strategic shift in Meghalaya’s developmental vision—repurposing dormant urban assets to catalyze tourism, stimulate job creation, and drive inclusive economic progress.