Shillong: Owing to the outbreak of coronavirus across the world, the state government has decided to cancel the much-awaited Meghalayan Age Festival that was scheduled to take place at Thadlaskein in West Jaintia Hills from March 7 to 15. However, a conclave will be held with participation from limited invitees, which will not be open to the general public.
Announcing this on Friday, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma said that the conclave will be held from March 13 to 15 and will be limited to 70 to 80 participants.
He also added that the first three days will only be a media conference and a familiarisation trip for the 50 to 70 invitees who will be going through the existing screening process as per the government of India and state government’s protocol.
Also Read: Meghalaya Police appeals citizens to avoid spreading fake news
While addressing the media, Sangma said, “The department of tourism is fully cognisant of the public advisory released by the Union ministry of health and family welfare regarding the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in India.”
Sangma added that the planned events such as evening music concerts and tethered balloon flights will not be held at least for the first three days. The conclave of different stakeholders of the tourism sector would be limited to 70 to 80 participants and will be held where different issues different policies and different ways on how to promote tourism in Meghalaya will be discussed with these stakeholders, informed Sangma.
Sangma also said that the tourism department is taking steps in coordination with the department of health and family welfare to ensure that all protocols and precautionary measures are adhered to at the Meghalayan Age Festival.
