Shillong, Aug. 5: In a major move to curb littering and promote responsible tourism, the East Khasi Hills district administration has banned roadside cooking and indiscriminate waste disposal at tourist destinations, viewpoints and public places across the district.
District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal issued the prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, with immediate effect following growing concerns over environmental degradation along the popular Shillong–Mawkdok–Sohra tourist corridor and other attractions.
The administration said roadside cooking using firewood, charcoal, LPG cylinders or any other fuel, along with littering and dumping of plastic, food waste, bottles, cans and other garbage, has been affecting sanitation, creating traffic bottlenecks and fire hazards, besides tarnishing Meghalaya’s image as a responsible tourism destination.
Under the order, cooking on road shoulders, viewpoints and public places has been prohibited.
The administration has also banned littering and the disposal of solid or liquid waste in forests, water bodies, drains and roadside areas.
Officials warned that violators would face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
The order, issued ex parte due to the urgency of the situation, has come into force immediately and will remain in effect until further orders.
The district administration appealed to tourists, local residents and stakeholders to cooperate in keeping East Khasi Hills clean and preserving Meghalaya’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination.
