SHILLONG, JUL 26: With tourist footfall picking up in Sohra, members of the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistant Team on Saturday took to the streets to spread awareness against littering and unauthorized cooking in public spaces.
The youth volunteers distributed pamphlets to both visitors and local residents, urging them to refrain from cooking, eating on roadsides and dumping waste in the scenic hill town.
Patrol teams were also deployed to ask tourists found violating the norms to move from restricted areas.
Sohra, famed for its waterfalls, living root bridges and cloud-covered hills, continues to be one of Meghalaya’s most visited tourist destinations.
The campaign seeks to ensure the town retains its natural charm amid the rising number of travelers.
Issuing the appeal, the Tourist Assistant Team called for public cooperation to safeguard the environment.
“We appeal to everyone to cooperate with the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistant Team by avoiding cooking, eating on roadsides and littering, so that Sohra and its beauty can be preserved,” the team said.
Officials recalled that both Hima Sohra and the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills had earlier cautioned tourists against polluting the area.
The administration has warned that those found violating cleanliness norms will face a penalty of Rs. 5,000.
The awareness drive was led by President Alexon Diengdoh and Secretary Pynlang Shangpliang of the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistant Team.
The group said similar volunteer patrols and awareness activities will continue in the coming weeks to keep Sohra clean and tourist-friendly.
