Guwahati: Seven iconic tourist sites in the northeast, including Assam's Rang Ghar from the Ahom-dynasty era and Manipur's historic Loktak Lake, will be transformed to global standards. Central govt approved over Rs 624 crore for this purpose on Friday.
The funding was sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States and Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The allocation includes over Rs 97 crore for enhancing the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden and more than Rs 94 crore for restoring the Rang Ghar in upper Assam's Sivasagar district.
Central govt has designated Rs 46.48 crore for establishing the Siang Adventure and Eco-Retreat site, while Rs 97.7 crore was allocated for constructing the 51 Shakti Peetha Park in Tripura's Gomati. Furthermore, Rs 99.27 crore was sanctioned each for establishing MICE infrastructure at Mawkhanu and renovating the Umiam Lake in Meghalaya.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude to PM Modi for sanctioning funds for two iconic sites in the state. The Assam State Zoo encompasses 175 hectares, including the botanical garden spanning 82 hectares. The Rang Ghar is renowned as Asia;s first amphitheatre or pavilion. Its foundation is octagonal with two storeys and the roof resembles an inverted royal Ahom long boat.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu said guided by PM Modi's grand vision, tourism would flourish in the northeast. "This initiative will transform Pasighat in Arunachal, where the Siang Adventure and Eco-Retreat is located, into a world-class sustainable tourism hub, showcasing the awesome natural beauty of our state and boosting local livelihoods," he added.
The 51 Shakti Peetha Park in Tripura displays replicas of the 51 Shakti Peethas that are spread across the country. Tripura govt initiated the park's construction in 2019, considering the difficulties faced by common people in visiting all scattered peethas. These destinations are among 40 tourist sites nationwide for which central govt approved financial assistance.
Union minister for cultural and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while announcing the Centre's approval, indicated that these projects would strengthen local economies and generate employment through sustainable tourism. "From decongesting popular sites, integrating advanced technologies, promoting sustainable practices, to encouraging public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences, a host of measures will be undertaken to ensure a world-class experience for everyone who wishes to soak in Bharat's natural, cultural and historic grandeur," he added.