Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, has emphasized the state's commitment to enhancing its heritage tourism, highlighting plans to open a museum in the historic old Assembly building in Shillong. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote the rich history and natural beauty of Meghalaya, especially Shillong, known as the ‘Scotland of the East’.

Shillong's significance as the capital of undivided Assam, coupled with its pristine natural beauty, positions it as a prime destination for heritage tourism. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of a generic policy to promote heritage sites for tourism, reflecting on the need to connect various stakeholders to realize this vision.

A key highlight of this heritage push is the transformation of a section of the old Assembly building, a British-era structure, into a museum. "The old building has a lot of history, being used in undivided Assam," Sangma said. The building, partially damaged by fire about 20 years ago, stands as a testament to the region's rich past. The museum project will commence following the inauguration of a new assembly site in September 2024.

The Chief Minister also mentioned other sites of heritage value, including the Raj Bhavan building and Rabindranath Tagore’s house, indicating a wealth of historical locations in Meghalaya. These sites are poised to become key attractions for tourists seeking a blend of history and natural beauty.

Addressing the balance between tourism development and environmental conservation, Sangma emphasized sustainable and ecotourism. The government is crafting policies to ensure that tourist sites are not overwhelmed, thereby preserving Meghalaya's natural allure while promoting tourism.

Meghalaya's move towards heritage tourism, marked by the opening of the museum in the old Assembly building, signals a new era for the state's tourism sector. It underscores the government's commitment to showcasing its historical heritage and natural splendor, offering a unique experience for visitors.