Shillong, Dec 2: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday hailed the San Shnong Youth Welfare Organisation (SSYWO) for transforming Elephant Falls from a troubled zone into one of the state’s most visited tourist destinations.
Sangma attended the organisation’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Shillong, where Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, officials from the Tourism Department and members of SSYWO were also present for the closing ceremony marking 25 years of community-led management of the iconic site.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated SSYWO for its sustained effort, describing it as a “powerful example” of what collective community action can achieve. He highlighted the symbolism behind San Shnong—representing five villages—remarking that like five fingers forming a fist, unity brings strength and purpose.
Sangma reiterated the government’s focus on tourism as a key driver of Meghalaya’s economy, noting that more than 240 tourism projects worth Rs 3,900 crore are currently in the pipeline. These investments, he said, are aimed at long-term transformation of the sector, with several “iconic projects” expected to reshape the state’s tourism landscape.
Emphasising community partnership as central to sustainable tourism, the Chief Minister said the state’s strongest asset is its people. He pointed to successful public–community collaborations across Meghalaya and proposed exploring a similar PPP-style model with SSYWO, where the government builds assets and communities operate and maintain them.
Responding to concerns over inadequate sanitation facilities at Elephant Falls, Sangma said clean toilets at tourist sites are a top priority. He informed that a new toilet facility is being planned through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support and called for a statewide “mission mode” push to improve sanitation in public spaces.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira commended SSYWO for its exemplary management of Elephant Falls and assured continued government support for its future initiatives.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also felicitated the founding members of SSYWO, formed 25 years ago by youth from five villages.
Apart from managing Elephant Falls, SSYWO continues to be involved in welfare activities for women and youth and plays an important role in providing relief services in the area.
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