First Umngot River Festival concludes with a focus to promote water sports

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2021

As part of Meghalaya’s 50th year of Statehood attainment and 75th years of Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav) the Department of Arts & Culture, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, Shillong in collaboration with the Sub- Divisional Officer (Civil), Amlarem Sub- Division Amlarem and Seng Samla Shnongpdeng Cultural & Sports organised one day Umngot River Festival at Shnongpdeng village.

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui attended the festival as chief guest, Commissioner  & Secretary of Arts and Culture Department, Government of Meghalaya FR Kharkongor,  Secretary Information and Public Relations Matsiewdor W Nongbri,    Assistant Director Sports & Youth Affairs PB War Nongbri, Sub- Divisional  Officer (Civil) , Amlarem Sub- Division Abhilash Baranwal, West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police B Marak were also present.

Speaking at the festival the Minister appreciated the efforts of the organising team the Arts & Culture Department, the Sub Divisional Officer, the District Sports officer and the Seng Samla Shnongpdeng Cultural & Sport for conceptualizing this programme in Umngot River at Shnongpdeng Village.

He said, Shnongpdeng village, River Umngot needs no more introduction as it is already well-known tourist spot, the only room needed is to continue maintaining cleanliness and to incorporate hospitality habits and to make the visitors and tourists comfortable during their visit and stay. 

He also said that as citizens, we need to encourage and take part in all development and upgradation taken by the government with a positive mindset.

He highlighted the development programs undertaken by the Government in various sectors. He informed that Rs. 20 lakhs have been sanctioned for repairing the hanging bridge at Shnongpdeng.

FR Kharkongor informed that the objective of the festival is to promote tourism and water sports activities in these areas. He called upon the villagers to continue cooperating with the government for further development.

Earlier Sub- Divisional Officer Abhilash Baranwal welcome all to the festival.

The festival includes Boating, Swimming, Water Polo, Boat Tableau presentation and Zip Lining, etc. Later the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners of the different sports competitions.