In a landmark move to position Meghalaya as a premier water sports and tourism destination, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the state’s first sailing yacht, Meghalinor, at the picturesque Umiam Lake. The launch signifies a bold step towards integrating adventure tourism with youth-focused development in the region.
The high-profile event was attended by Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism Vijay Kumar D and Tourism Director CV Diengdoh, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s tourism strategy.
Speaking at the inauguration, Sangma underscored the initiative’s twin objectives — revitalising tourism while simultaneously nurturing the state’s sporting ecosystem. “Whether it’s tourism or sports, our goals are aligned — to create employment, generate sustainable livelihoods and put the youth at the center of Meghalaya’s development narrative,” he said.
With nearly half of Meghalaya’s population under the age of 20, Sangma emphasised the urgency of building robust foundations for future opportunities. “This is not merely a ceremonial launch; it is a visionary step toward unlocking the untapped potential of Umiam Lake,” he declared.
Highlighting the lake’s immense natural beauty and suitability for aquatic recreation, the chief minister announced a series of initiatives aimed at transforming Umiam into a vibrant water sports hub. Planned activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing and comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to elevate the visitor experience.
“The vision is to develop this area into one of the premier resort destinations in eastern India. Today’s launch is a small yet significant stride in that direction,” Sangma remarked.
He also lauded Meghalaya’s athletes who have brought accolades in national kayaking and canoeing championships, expressing optimism that Umiam could soon evolve into a competitive arena for water sports in the Northeast.
With Meghalinor setting sail, Meghalaya signals its intent to marry ecological beauty with economic opportunity—crafting a future where adventure, youth empowerment and tourism flourish side by side.
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