Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, has underscored the importance of tapping into the tourism potential of heritage sites in Shillong and other regions of Meghalaya, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday (November 22). During the 11th International Tourism Mart in Shillong, Sangma revealed plans to establish a small museum within a portion of the historic old Assembly building in the capital city.
Responding to a query from PTI, Sangma emphasised the need for a generic policy to promote heritage sites for tourism. The 11th International Tourism Mart, focusing on the tourism potential of the northeast, particularly Meghalaya, is a testament to this effort.
"The Legislative Assembly building site (in Shillong)... you are aware that the Assembly (building) got burnt almost about 20 years back. And therefore not much left of it. But we have not touched it, and left it as it is because we had to do some of the assembly work there," Sangma explained during a press interaction, as reported by the news agency.
He added that a plan is in place, in collaboration with the Speaker, to establish a small museum or a designated site within the British-era structure, which has significant historical value, the report said.
"But as soon as we shift to the new assembly site whose construction is going on... By September 2024, we expect to inaugurate it," he said.
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While acknowledging the heritage value of the Raj Bhavan building and Rabindranath Tagore’s house, Sangma affirmed the state's commitment to balancing tourism-related development with environmental protection.
Meghalaya has been focusing on sustainable tourism and ecotourism, with the government implementing policies to prevent undue pressure on specific tourist sites, he stated. The new assembly site is expected to be inaugurated by September 2024, providing an opportunity to preserve and showcase the historical significance of the old Assembly building.