Shillong: In a bid to enhance tourism across the culturally and naturally rich northeast region, the central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme has earmarked fifteen destinations for development, according to officials. Among these, Manipur contributes one, while the other seven states in the northeast bring two each to the initiative.
The selected destinations under SD 2.0 include Nacho and Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong and Sohra in Meghalaya, Aizawl and Champhai in Mizoram, Jorhat and Kokrajhar in Assam, Moirang (Bishnupur) in Manipur, Niuland and Chumukedima in Nagaland, Gangtok and Gyalshing in Sikkim, and Agartala and Unakoti in Tripura.
The objective extends beyond promoting tourism; it also seeks to spur overall development in the region. With breathtaking landscapes, including hills, waterfalls, and unexplored trekking sites, the northeastern states, some sharing borders with other nations, hold immense potential for attracting visitors.
During the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart in Shillong from November 21-23, the Tourism Ministry unveiled details about the SD 2.0 scheme and provided updates on the PRASHAD scheme.
The ministry had earlier allocated Rs 29.32 crore for the development of four key religious tourism sites in Meghalaya under the PRASHAD scheme, namely Nartiang Shakti Peeth, Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church, Aitnar Pool and Charantala Kali Temple.
