Tourism infrastructure at the historic Siju Caves in Meghalaya, valued at Rs 9.10 crore, has significantly deteriorated before its official inauguration, raising serious concerns about the quality and safety of the facilities. These projects, funded under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, included various facilities such as a Rs 2.50 crore Adventure Park, a Rs 3.16 crore Bird Watch Tower and Cave Interpretation Centre, and approach roads and parking facilities worth Rs 2.19 crore. However, reports indicate structural failures, including cracks and leaks, suggesting the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices.
A particularly controversial issue is a Rs 75 lakh zipline project that has seemingly disappeared from its designated location, despite receiving a completion certificate and government approval for relocation. The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) has raised alarms over these discrepancies and formally submitted a complaint to the state’s Tourism Minister, calling for a full audit of the funds and investigation into the poor execution of these projects.
The deteriorating infrastructure jeopardizes the region’s tourism potential and poses risks to visitor safety. The Siju Caves, a key tourist attraction known for its natural beauty, now faces the threat of losing its appeal due to the subpar facilities. The GSU has urged the government to either repair or reconstruct the affected structures to ensure the proper use of public funds and maintain the region’s tourism prospects.
