Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya authorities have banned roadside cooking, open fires, and littering across the Sohra Civil Sub-Division. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Miri Mark A. Chyne, also identified in reports as Mark A. Challam, issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The rule took immediate effect this week.
Tourists have been cooking at viewpoints, parking areas, and along the Shillong-Sohra-Shella Road. This reckless behavior leaves behind mountains of plastic, food waste, and glass. The administration warned that using LPG cylinders, kerosene stoves, firewood, charcoal grills, and barbecue pits creates a major fire hazard. These open flames threaten nearby forests, public property, and human lives.
The ban covers all public spaces, including lay-bys and forest areas. It does not apply to designated picnic spots authorized by local authorities or the concerned Dorbar Shnong. These sites must maintain proper waste disposal and fire safety measures to remain open. Visitors must now use official collection points for all garbage.
Police, magistrates, and officials from the Forest, Tourism, and Public Works Departments will enforce the order. Violators face prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other environmental laws. Alan West Kharkongor, Chairman of the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum, supports the crackdown. He noted, "Responsible tourism can only thrive when visitors respect local regulations and environmental norms." Officials hope the new rules will preserve the region's natural beauty for the future.
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