Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum is pushing the state government to outlaw roadside cooking by tourists. Members say the habit trashes natural sites and threatens the future of the local industry. Visitors from neighboring states often bypass local businesses, opting instead to set up stoves along riverbanks, public spaces, and scenic viewpoints.
Trash piles grow. The leftovers include food waste, disposable utensils, and plastic bottles. These items destroy the pristine beauty that draws crowds to the region in the first place.
The forum submitted a formal memorandum to Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira on Wednesday. Representatives from the Federation of Shillong Hotels, Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya, transport operators, the Clean Sohra Campaign, and the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistance Team backed the request. They want a clear, state-wide ban enforced through public notices, social media, and official tourism websites.
MRTF president Allan West Kharkongor pushed for immediate action. “There should be a complete ban on roadside cooking and open space cooking. The message will be clear after the state government issues a notification. Such steps helped improve Goa’s tourism,” he said.
Stakeholders believe local measures by groups like the Durbar Shnong of Sohra are not enough. They want a top-down state mandate. Future plans include creating designated, regulated picnic areas where visitors can rent gear and use proper waste management facilities.
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