SHILLONG: Growing concerns over environmental degradation at Meghalaya’s popular tourist sites have led local tourism stakeholders to call for a statewide ban on tourists cooking meals along roadsides, in public spaces, and near natural attractions.
Representing a broad coalition of industry bodies, the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum (MRTF) has submitted a formal representation to Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, urging the government to issue immediate administrative directives to curb the practice.
Addressing reporters, MRTF President Alan West Kharkongor highlighted a rising trend—particularly among visitors from neighboring states—of bringing cooking equipment and setting up makeshift kitchens at major sightseeing spots.
These impromptu picnic setups frequently leave behind large amounts of unmanaged waste, including single-use plastics, glass bottles, and disposable cutlery, cluttering green spaces and threatening Meghalaya’s reputation as a clean, eco-conscious destination.
The call for action stems from a joint meeting convened by the MRTF, bringing together key sector organizations such as the Federation of Shillong Hotels, Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya, Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya, local drivers’ unions, the Clean Sohra Campaign, and the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistance Team.
The consensus was unanimous: an official notification is needed to ban open-air cooking on public grounds and thoroughfares statewide.
ALSO READ: Brainstorming at Asian Confluence on Heritage Tourism for Meghalaya
To ensure compliance, the MRTF suggested a multi-tiered public awareness strategy. Recommendations include broadcasting the order through print media, government websites, and Tourism Department social media, while mandating that notifications be displayed at hotels, resorts, homestays, and on commercial tourist transport vehicles.
The coalition also called for prominent signboards at major entry points, such as Byrnihat and Nongpoh, as well as at primary tourist sites.
MRTF urged local village councils (seng shnong), residents, and industry workers to actively assist in educating incoming travelers about local ecological norms.
Beyond enforcement against littering and roadside cooking, the forum advocated for systemic upgrades to waste collection and disposal infrastructure along all tourist routes.
The delegation also requested an update on the progress of the government-appointed committee evaluating challenges faced by local commercial drivers, reaffirming that a structured approach is key to protecting Meghalaya’s natural landscapes while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
(4FrontMedia news)
