The roadside picnics have led to the indiscriminate dumping of food waste, plastic bottles, packaging materials, and disposable utensils (Photo: Meghalaya Tourism)
In order to curb environmental degradation caused by tourists to the popular East Khasi Hills region, the Meghalaya government has issued a prohibitory order banning roadside cooking, lighting open fires and littering in the area.
In a press statement, the government says that the prohibitory order, issued by Sohra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A Challam has come into immediate effect following widespread reports of visitors preparing food along roadsides, lay-bys, and viewpoints, particularly along the Shillong-Sohra-Shella road corridor.
The statement adds that roadside picnics have led to the indiscriminate dumping of food waste, plastic bottles, packaging materials, and disposable utensils. The authorities note that the accumulation of refuse has severely degraded the local environment, created public nuisances, attracted stray animals, obstructed traffic flow, and damaged the natural aesthetic appeal of the region.
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The local administration says that the widespread use of open flames–including LPG cylinders, kerosene stoves, charcoal, firewood, and barbecue grills, in undesignated public areas poses severe risks of triggering forest fires and damaging public property, vegetation and local ecosystems.
The statement adds that the prohibitions will not apply to designated picnic sites or officially approved tourist zones. Visitors are required to carry back all garbage and dispose of waste exclusively at authorised collection points. The order mandates police, executive magistrates, forest and tourism officials, and local Dorbar Shnongs (traditional village councils) to ensure strict enforcement, warning that violators will face prosecution under the applicable legal provisions.
