Question : ECO-TOURIST CIRCUIT



(a) whether Shillong has been identified as one of the North-East`s Eco-Tourist Circuits;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government for its development?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a), (b) and (c) : Shillong is included in the North East Tourist Circuit designated as Eco-Tourism Circuit, which is as under:

Shillong-Guwahati-Kaziranga-Tezpur-Bhalakpung-Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)-Majuli-Sibsagar-Kohima.

Following projects have been sanctioned during 2002-2003 for development of North East Circuit :-

Assam	:
(i) River Front Development along Brahmaputra.
(ii) Development of Ethnic Village at Bhalakpung.
(iii) Camping site at Khora.
(iv) Signages.
Nagaland :
(i) Green Village plan at Khonoma.


An amount of Rs.70.35 lakhs has been sanctioned to Government of Meghalaya for the following projects during 2002-2003 under the Scheme of Product/Infrastructure and Destination Development :-
1.	Construction of suspension bridge over Weinia falls Sonkhai in Nongkhnum.

2. Construction of 4 cottages in Nongkhnum Island.

3. Construction of boathouse cafeteria and other facilities in Lumponding Island at Umiam.


The process of identifying the Infrastructure, Promotion and Publicity projects in the current year 2003-2004 has already been initiated in consultation with the State Governments including Government of Meghalaya.