Staff Reporter

Shillong, June 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today inaugurated the Chitmang Chaiwat Nature-Based Glamping Project at Badri Rongdong in South Garo Hills, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism and community-led development.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister elaborated on the government's focus on promoting tourism across the state, stating that initiatives like Chitmang Chaiwat reflect its efforts to collaborate across departments to strengthen tourism infrastructure.

He expressed his gratitude to the Soil Conservation Minister and Department, as well as the people of Chitmang Chaiwat, for ensuring the successful completion of the project. He also thanked Tourism Minister Marcuise N. Marak for recommending that the park be named in honour of his late father, Purno Agitok Sangma.

“We should be able to showcase our tourism potential to the rest of the country,” said the Chief Minister, while lauding the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the conservation and eco-tourism initiative.

He emphasized the importance of balancing environmental protection with development, highlighting the state's commitment to sustainable growth.

The Chitmang Chaiwat Eco-Tourism Project has transformed 21.48 hectares of land, previously degraded by unsustainable practices, into a flourishing eco-tourism destination. Key achievements of the project include ecological restoration, water security, tourism infrastructure development, and livelihood generation for local families.

The project has been enhanced with the creation of a Tourist Cabin Complex, featuring traditional Garo-style cabins and eco-friendly PVC dome tents, designed to promote green tourism.

The complex is expected to create employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and showcase Meghalaya’s natural beauty to a wider audience.

During the event, the Chief Minister also announced that the foundation for an additional Secretariat will be laid at Tura on June 19, and architectural drawings for the project will be shared with the public. He also highlighted upcoming tourism projects at Wari Chora (South Garo Hills), Siju Cave, and Mandalgre (East Garo Hills).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Cabinet Ministers Marcuise Marak, Rakkam A. Sangma, and A. T. Mondal, along with MLAs Kartus Sangma, Pongseng Marak, Sangma Sangma, and Jim Sangma.

…