The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) – G. Kishan Reddy noted that infrastructure development is an indispensable prospect to boost tourism in Northeastern region.
Addressing a press conference at Aijal Club, the Union Minister remarked that the serene landscape of the region, diversified cultures, flora & fauna are yet to be explored by the citizens.
Therefore, the International Tourism Mart – an effort initiated under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi focuses on the development of infrastructure.
He stated that the concerned events will focus on the priorities of tourism as well as the G20 tourism tasks.
Reddy also cited the instance of India participating in the forthcoming G20 Presidency commencing from December 1-November 30, 2023.
He mentioned that over 200 conferences will be held in India across 50 cities. Out of which, one meeting will be convened in Aizawl, Mizoram.
During the ceremony, the Minister stressed that the International Tourism Mart is an important preparation for the G20 conferences in the Northeast, which will solely focus on holding interactions between tourism fraternity and entrepreneurs from the Northeast States.
“With situation becoming peaceful in the hinterlands, tranquility has brought an ideal situation for developmental projects; with citizens focusing on the developmental parameters. Besides, the Ministry of Tourism has implemented various developmental schemes like Prasad Scheme, to develop unexplored destinations” he stated.
He also stated that under this scheme 9 viewpoints will be constructed in Mizoram.
It is worth noting that these 9 viewpoints will be undertaken by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL). Sanctioned with 12.78 crores, these projects will be implemented along 9 locations – Zemabawk, Tlangnuam, Phulmawi, Pangzawl, Tualthu, Thingkah, Keifang, Puilo and Neihdawn. These viewpoints shall also be equipped with public toilets, eateries. Stalls will also be installed to promote the local produce.
Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Rs. 1337 crores has been spent on tourism sector, with 100 view points to be constructed in the Northeast region.
Responding to a query on the connectivity of the Northeastern States, Reddy stated that rail network to Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh have been achieved. For the state of Mizoram, completion of 51 km-long Bairabi – Sairang railway project, funded with a cost of Rs. 521 crores, the project is slated to be completed by next year.
Furthermore, the Minister also stressed on the fact that the development of tourism will generate employment for the youths of the states.
