Shillong, August 5: The District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills has imposed an immediate ban on roadside cooking, littering and indiscriminate waste disposal at tourist destinations, roadways and public places across the district in an effort to protect the environment, improve public safety and preserve Meghalaya's image as a responsible tourism destination.
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The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, follows a communication from the Director of Tourism, Meghalaya, highlighting the increasing incidence of roadside cooking, littering and improper disposal of waste, particularly along the Shillong–Mawkdok–Sohra Road and other popular tourist locations in East Khasi Hills.
According to the order, such activities have contributed to environmental degradation, sanitation and public health concerns, traffic obstruction, fire hazards and public nuisance, adversely affecting the state's tourism image.
Under the new restrictions, the following activities are prohibited with immediate effect:
• Roadside cooking using firewood, charcoal, LPG cylinders or any other fuel on road shoulders, viewpoints and public places.
• Littering or throwing plastic waste, food waste, bottles, cans, packaging materials or any other garbage in public places.
• Indiscriminate dumping of solid or liquid waste in public places, forests, water bodies, drains and roadside areas.
District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, stated that the restrictions are preventive measures aimed at maintaining cleanliness, preserving the environment and ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
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The order warns that anyone found violating the restrictions will be liable for prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other applicable provisions of law.
Considering the urgency of the matter, the order has been issued ex parte and has come into force with immediate effect. It will remain in force until further orders.
The administration has urged residents, tourists and visitors to cooperate by maintaining cleanliness and following the new guidelines to help protect Meghalaya's natural beauty and promote responsible tourism across East Khasi Hills.
