Shillong, Feb 4: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to outsource to private firms for promoting the ‘Khasi Heritage Village’ at Mawphlang village as a tourist destination.

The decision taken by a special committee was approved at the meeting of the executive committee chaired by the KHADC chief Titosstarwell Chyne on Wednesday

“We have decided to outsource the Khasi heritage village to private parties who are interested to develop (the place into a tourist spot). So far only one firm ‘Living roots’ have submitted its proposal,” said Chyne.

He said this was after the council could not generate the expected revenue from the heritage village despite spending a huge amount of money to develop it.

“Over Rs 80 lakh was already spent by the present EC,” Chyne said.

It may be mentioned here that the objective of the Khasi heritage village was to preserve and promote the rich tradition and culture of the ethnic local tribes of the region.

The first and second Monolith Festival held in 2013 and 2016 respectively had drawn tourists from across the country and abroad to the Khasi heritage village whose main attraction was authentic traditional architectural ‘structures’.

Chyne said the special committee between KHADC and Hima Mawphlang have also agreed to amend the memorandum of understanding.

“The share between the KHADC and Hima Mawphlang will now be 60:40,” he said.