Shillong, June 04: The Government of Meghalaya today launched the Ward’s Lake Revitalization Program, a landmark for urban tourism and development. The formal transfer of the iconic Ward’s Lake from the Forest Department to the Tourism Department, stood as a significant highlight of the event, symbolizing focus on promotion of visitor experiences.
In his address, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Chief Minister, said that the tender for the Ward’s Lake revitalization will be floated soon and the cost of the project is around Rs 20 crores for the Ward’s Lake section and the promenade will include an additional sanction amount.
He stated that this is an important part and a huge potential especially for the musicians who will be provided a platform to perform, movies which will be played including local movies and showcasing calendar events.”All this is part of a larger proposal and mindset that we have,” he said.
Ward’s Lake, locally known as Nan Polok, is a historical artificial lake in the center of Shillong city built in the year 1894 and has been serving for a long time as a place for recreation for locals and tourists alike.
The rejuvenation, which is an investment of Rs 18 crore, aims to transform the lake into a thriving cultural and recreational arena. Enhancement plans include the installation of sound and light shows, musical fountains, new cafes, entertainment zones for family and children, as well as extension of visiting hours till 10 PM.
Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister emphasized on the project’s goal to enrich Shillong’s tourism offerings. He stated that “”the lake is also iconic because it is the oldest artificial lake in North East India.” The minister added that office goers can take a stroll around the Lake once the official working hours end.
The revitalization plan also focuses on infrastructures to accommodate increased footfall. It includes widening of existing roads and development of pedestrian-friendly walkways to ensure safe and convenient access for all visitors.
This is part one of the broader initiatives in the government’s plans towards enhancing Shillong’s urban setting and tourism attractions. Earlier, the government had also announced a 1.2 km promenade opposite Ward’s Lake to be developed, which will include plazas, shops, vending zones, parking facilities and restaurant. These developments aim to give new impetus to local businesses and also provide recreational avenues for the local community and visitors.
The Ward’s Lake Revitalization Program is expected to be completed in two phases. The first phase is primarily on the introduction of new entertainment features and infrastructural developments. The government expects that tourism would be more concentrated than ever before with an overall uplift to the economic well-being of the region.
Dignitaries who attended the event were Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister; Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister; Shri Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, Director, Tourism Department; Dr. Vijay Kumar, D. IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism.
Shri Harish Chandra Chaudhary, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Shri Robert Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, The Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL); members of MAL; officials and members of the Forest and Tourism Department, among others were also present.
