DoNER clears ₹220 Cr for Cherrapunji (Sohra) tourism, heritage resort & ropeway projects

Shillong, Aug 20: Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday announced a major boost for the state’s tourism sector with the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) clearing ₹220 crore for projects in Sohra (Cherrapunjee).

Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said the initiatives will focus on promoting experiential tourism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in village life and local culture. He emphasized that this was the first time DoNER has sanctioned funds for tourism-specific projects, which until now were supported primarily by the Ministry of Tourism and international agencies such as ADB and NDB.

Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia is expected to visit Meghalaya during the Cherry Blossom Festival later this year to lay the foundation stone for the projects.

Highlighting one of the flagship initiatives, Lyngdoh announced the conversion of the historic Lawsohtun sericulture farm - established by the British in 1925 - into a heritage resort. The project will integrate with the upcoming Shillong Ropeway project, which is expected to be completed within two years.

“A couple of months back I inspected the textiles complex at Lawsohtun along with officials of both the Textiles and Tourism departments. We have decided to develop it into a heritage resort, the oldest of its kind in the Northeast,” Lyngdoh said.

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He added that the project would merge the efforts of the Textiles and Tourism departments to enhance visitor experience and cater to the expected rise in tourist footfall once the ropeway becomes operational.

Lyngdoh underlined that these initiatives not only aim to showcase Meghalaya’s natural beauty but also its cultural heritage, making Sohra a hub for sustainable and community-driven tourism in the Northeast.