SHILLONG, Dec 15 - Visitors to Meghalaya will have to register or produce identification documents at the entry point at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district from December 21.
Documents of those entering the State will be checked at the facilitation centre. Visitors can also register online and upload necessary documents to prove their identity.
The system that will be put into place is similar to the inner line permit (ILP) system which the State is seeking to implement. However, the Central Government is yet to give its approval despite the State legislature adopting a resolution to implement the ILP regime.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has stated that he would inaugurate the facilitation centre on December 21. The centre has been constructed on government land with prefabricated materials to expedite the establishment process.
The Meghalaya Government has been under pressure from NGOs to implement the ILP system in the State. However, in the absence of approval from the Central Government, the State Government is going ahead with the facilitation centres.
The State Government has already identified at least 18 areas across the State where such centres will be established. Works in these identified areas are at different stages of completion.
The Meghalaya Government is pushing for growth of the tourism sector in the State. It will reopen the State for tourist visits from December 21 ahead of the festive season.
As part of the State�s policy to woo tourists, a direct flight between Shillong-New Delhi-Shillong will begin from December 21, Sangma said, adding that the State Government is trying to get the flight operate at least twice a week.
�The first flight from Delhi to Shillong will start on December 21. The airlines has confirmed it,� Sangma said. It is a 72-seater Q400 aircraft.
