Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 59/25

MEGHALAYA LAUNCHES FIRST YACHT MEGHALINOR TO BOOST TOURISM AND WATER SPORTS

The Honble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma launched the states first sailing yacht, Meghalinor, to be commissioned at Umiam Lake. This will not only add attraction to the beautiful lake but also promote water sports, another strength that the state of Meghalaya possesses. Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Honble CM, said, Todays program is a very meaningful one, and this is bringing in two very critical areas for us as the state government, i.e., tourism and sports. This event is actually bringing the two of them together and allowing us to bring out more and have a final result that will have a much bigger impact than the individual verticals themselves.

Speaking on upcoming infrastructure in Umiam besides sailing and other water sports, the HCM said, We will be developing this into one of the best resorts in the entire eastern region, and we are planning to put up a very high-end resort out here. The process is already on. In about a months time, we should have the developers on board, and hopefully in about two to three years time, we should be seeing one of the best resorts in the entire eastern region, and maybe one of the best in the country, coming up. We are working towards getting the sea planes taking off from here, hopefully towards Kaziranga, creating a circuit between top destinations of the Northeast.

The HCM further informed that the governments plans in the pipeline include putting up larger yachts as well as cruises in and around Umiam property where tourists can come in and even spend an evening and stay in the yachts, enjoying programs and celebrations. Giving his insights on the growing potential of water sports in the state, the HCM said, The National Games is going to be the biggest event that Meghalaya has ever seen. This is where the water sports come in. Even if 50 percent water sports medal can be won by Meghalaya, it will be a great contribution.

Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Honble Minister of Tourism, said, Today marks another remarkable chapter in the success story of Meghalaya tourism, the launch of Meghalinor, a yacht that promises to be more than just a yacht, but an experience that will take you to the actual name, Meghalinor, coined using two words. Today, we have merged Valinor with Meghalaya to ensure that your experience in the yacht would be a mega experience. We are taking over close to 300 acres of land from the forest department, including the Nehru Park. Within the next one year, we should be having Umiam Cruise servers. All these are meant to elevate the experience of visitors and locals alike.

Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Tourism, said todays event is crucial as it brings together both tourism and sports, and creates an inspiring moment for all our athletes, as he reiterates the potential of youngsters in water sports. He added that three sports associations connected with water sports such as rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing have been invited to be part of the programme, reiterating the potential of water sports as 27 medals were won from the last National Games. At the end of the launch event, the Honble CM and the Honble Tourism Minister went onboard the Meghalinor for a refreshing sailing experience at Umiam Lake.

The Meghalinor can be used for sailing, which will attract athletes passionate about water sports. The yacht launched today will be a significant step taken by the government to come up with more yachts and cruises.

Dignitaries who attended the event included Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Honble Chief Minister, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Honble Tourism Minister, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism Department, and Shri Cyril V.D. Diengdoh, IAS, Director, Tourism Department, among others.