Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has announced two major projects aimed at transforming Meghalaya into a tourist destination – development of Umiam Lake as an iconic eco-tourism hub and the creation of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure at Mawkhanu, Shillong.

Ministry of Tourism has undertaken these two projects in order to develop craft village, haat, food court and allied infrastructure at Umiam and create an alternate travel destination and address the decongestion of Shillong.

With an estimated cost of ₹ 99.27 Crore, the project titled “Development of Umiam Lake as an Iconic Tourist Center” envisions creating diverse spaces for recreation, education, and entertainment, particularly catering to families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. It seeks to place Umiam Lake among India’s iconic eco-tourism destinations. The development of Umiam Lake as an iconic tourist center will include the construction of a Craft Village, Food Court, and other supporting infrastructure. This project aims to enhance the lake’s appeal as a major eco-tourism site, offering visitors a range of experiences in a picturesque natural setting. It is expected to generate more than 1,300 jobs and attract Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment for four projects worth ₹400 crores, including a Music Center and Academy, Glamping facilities, a Visitor Center, and Taj Hotels.

The MICE infrastructure at Mawkhanu, Shillong with an estimated cost of ₹ 99.27 Crore will focus on creating new public spaces, including trails, pathways and broadways, internal connectivity, interactive cultural display, a sculpture park, a public plaza, nature play, multipurpose ground, festival ground, amphitheater, signages etc., to provide an alternative tourism destination and alleviate congestion in the capital city of Shillong.

The project is expected to create more than 1300 jobs and encourage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in six projects valued at ₹425.25 crores. Planned initiatives also include a luxury prefab resort, convention center, amusement park, golf-themed resort, golf club, and golf course.

The Umiam and Mawkhanu projects are part of the 40 projects approved by Government of India for the development of tourist sites in 23 States with a total cost of ₹3295 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.