Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit in Meghalaya under Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme. This initiative marks a major push toward sustainable and community-driven tourism in Sohra (Cherrapunji)– one of the world’s wettest places and a key eco-tourism destination in Meghalaya.
About Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit
| Feature | Details |
| Implementing Agencies | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Government of Meghalaya |
| Project Cost | ₹200 crore (approx.) |
| Funding Source | 100% Central Funding under PM-DevINE |
| Objective | To transform Sohra into a multi-day, experiential, eco-friendly tourism destination that promotes local livelihoods and cultural heritage |
| Focus | Sustainable tourism, infrastructure enhancement, employment generation, and ecological preservation |
| Expected Benefits | Sixfold increase in tourist spending; over 4,600 jobs to be generated for local communities |
Key Components of Sohra Circuit
Sohra Experience Centre
- Acts as the cultural hub of the tourism circuit.
- Features:
- Amphitheatre and Rain Experience Park
- Art galleries and Craft pavilions
- Interactive exhibits showcasing Khasi tribal heritage and rainforest ecology
Eco-Tourism & Adventure Sites
- Nohkalikai Falls Precinct: Development of tourist infrastructure around India’s tallest plunge waterfall.
- Mawsmai Eco Park: Enhancements for eco-education, biodiversity trails, and safe visitor movement.
- Wahkaliar Canyon & Shella Riverside: Focus on adventure tourism, riverfront experiences, and sustainable lodging.
Community-Driven Approach
- Local artisans, entrepreneurs, and homestay operators form the core of the project’s livelihood ecosystem.
- Promotes eco-friendly tourism, traditional Khasi crafts, and organic local cuisine.
Significance
- Promotes responsible and sustainable tourism aligned with the ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat visions.
- Enhances regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure in Meghalaya.
- Strengthens livelihood generation through community participation and entrepreneurship.
- Preserves ecological balance and tribal heritage of the Khasi Hills.
About Sohra (Cherrapunji)
- Located in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya.
- Known for being one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of ~11,000 mm.
Famous attractions:
- Nohkalikai Falls (tallest plunge waterfall in India)
- Mawsmai Caves
- Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Nongriat)
- Wahkhen Music Trail
- Renowned for its living root bridges, Khasi tribal traditions, and rainforest biodiversity.
PM-DevINE Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Full Form | Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region |
| Launched | 2022 (announced in Union Budget 2022–23) |
| Type of Scheme | Central Sector Scheme – 100% funded by the Central Government |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) |
| Outlay | ₹6,600 crore for 4 years (2022–23 to 2025–26) |
| Geographical Coverage | All 8 North Eastern States |
| Alignment | With PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for infrastructure-driven growth |
Objectives of PM-DevINE
- Infrastructure Development: Fund key infrastructure and social projects based on regional needs.
- Livelihood Support: Enable livelihood activities for youth and women, especially in tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture.
- Bridging Development Gaps: Address critical gaps in health, education, connectivity, and entrepreneurship.
- Regional Balance: Complement other schemes like DoNER Ministry Projects, North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), and North Eastern Council (NEC) initiatives.
Example Projects Funded under PM-DevINE
- Aizawl Bypass (Mizoram)
- Tura Smart Town Project (Meghalaya)
- Bamboo Link Road (Tripura)
- Cancer Hospitals in Nagaland and Mizoram
- Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit (Meghalaya)
Key Facts
| Ministry of DoNER | Established in 2001, became a full-fledged ministry in 2004. Headquarters: New Delhi. Current mandate: To accelerate socio-economic development of North Eastern Region. |
| North Eastern Region (NER) | Comprises 8 states- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura. |
| Tourism in Meghalaya | Known as the “Abode of Clouds”, Meghalaya’s tourism model emphasizes community-led eco-tourism. |
| Nohkalikai Falls | Located near Cherrapunji; height: 340 meters (tallest plunge waterfall in India). |
| Eco-Tourism Concept | Responsible travel to natural areas conserving the environment and improving the well-being of local people. Coined by Héctor Ceballos-Lascuráin (1983). |
| PM GatiShakti | Launched in 2021, aims at integrating infrastructure planning across ministries through a GIS-based digital platform. |