Meghalaya Govt Breathes New Life into Historic Ward’s Lake with Rs 20 Crore Cultural Makeover
First Published: 4th June, 2025 17:52 IST
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh hailed the site as one of NE India’s oldest artificial lakes and a cherished symbol of heritage.
In a significant move, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has transferred Shillong’s iconic Ward’s Lake from the Forest Department to the Department of Tourism, setting the stage for a historic transformation of the 130-year-old site.
Originally conceived in 1894 under Sir William Ward’s vision and built by Colonel Hopkins, with a design by Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollok, Ward’s Lake has long served as a tranquil urban escape. Nestled in central Shillong, the lake’s signature wooden bridge, meandering stone paths, and lush gardens have charmed generations of locals and tourists alike.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh hailed the site as one of Northeast India’s oldest artificial lakes and a cherished symbol of heritage. With a visionary Rs 20 crore redevelopment plan now in motion, the lake will soon feature sound and light shows, musical fountains, extended visiting hours till 10 p.m., cosy cafes, and entertainment zones. The adjacent promenade will also be revamped, complemented by widened roads and pedestrian-friendly upgrades.
Plans also include cultural performances, local film screenings, and a curated calendar of events, turning Ward’s Lake into a dynamic venue that celebrates Meghalaya’s natural beauty and artistic vibrancy.
Chief Minister Sangma described the initiative as more than beautification—calling it a reclaiming of space for community, culture, and sustainable tourism.
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