Joy ride

Shillong, Sept. 7: All the people may not like all the “isms,”. Some may like Communism, some may like capitalism depending upon the needs of their society. But “tourism” is one thing every country in the world and every sate in the country would stick to.

In an effort to make Meghalaya a tourist destination in the country, the state government has been taking serious steps to attract tourists from all over the world. In the process, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently acquired a river bus, a floating experience on the silky waters of the famous Umiam lake, located on Guwahati-Shillong road. Fitted with a 130-horse power engine, the river bus can carry 35 passengers including three crew members.

MTDC chairperson Debora Marak inaugurated the bus last week, facilitating the public to have the best visual feast around the lake.

The seats of the bus can be removed or relocated according to the requirement and size of the party. The facility for onboard catering would be the highlight of the whole cruise.

A vigorous publicity campaign about the latest attraction is being planned to reach out to every nook and corner of the region.

MTDC also acquired various types of other boats as part of the expansion plan. One speed boat, one parasail boat, two outboard motorboats and eight pedal boats have been added to the existing fleet.

The total amount spent for this expansion of umiam water sports complex was more than Rs 31 lakh.

This would be a complete turnaround for the state-owned MTDC. Though the corporation might not come out of the accrued loss, it has been registering an operational profit the past three years.

“As far as the tourism projects are concerned, the government would act just as a facilitator or catalyst in the whole operation. Ownership and running the show would eventually be given to people only in the due course.” a determined Meghalaya minister in charge tourism, R.G. Lyngdoh said.

He said “rural tourism” would be the main thrust in the future to the Rymbai government. The government is planning to create community-based tourism industry that will help local people immensely.