In Meghalaya, the scenic town Sohra imposes restrictions on picnics and open-air cooking due to increasing waste concerns.
In an effort to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of Sohra, a popular tourist destination in Meghalaya, a series of comprehensive regulations have been enforced by the traditional governing body, Ka Hima Sohra. These measures aim to combat waste, promote sustainable tourism, and align with the area's ecological sensitivity.
The new rules prohibit picnics, open cooking, and outdoor feasts in public and ecologically sensitive areas such as the Mawkdok-Sohra stretch. This ban is intended to prevent litter and environmental degradation that has become increasingly prevalent due to unchecked tourist activities.
Another key measure is the prohibition of parking and consuming food or alcohol in public spaces without prior permission from the local village dorbar. This move aims to curtail irresponsible tourism behavior and ensure that visitors respect the local community and their rules.
All vehicles entering Sohra, irrespective of origin, are now required to carry waste bags and dustbins. This mandate is designed to encourage waste management and reduce roadside litter, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Camping is being tightly regulated, with night camping only allowed at officially designated sites. Any form of unauthorized camping outside these zones is banned, unless it is organised by certified and recognised groups or societies.
To control the exposure of lesser-known destinations and prevent over-tourism, content creators, media influencers, and journalists are now required to seek prior approval from Ka Hima Sohra's Tourism Committee before promoting or disclosing lesser-known locations.
Moreover, hiring local guides is now mandatory for trekking within Ka Hima Sohra's jurisdiction. This rule not only supports the local economy but also ensures that tourists are guided responsibly and respectfully through the region.
Sohra, formerly known as Cherrapunjee, is renowned for its waterfalls, caves, and unique biodiversity. However, unchecked picnic parties have led to widespread environmental degradation, particularly along the Mawkdok-Sohra Road and nearby tourist locations.
Alan West, president of the Rural Tourism Forum, emphasized the need for action to preserve the beauty and cultural significance of Sohra. He stated, "These measures are aimed at safeguarding Sohra’s pristine landscapes from plastic waste, glass bottles, and other non-biodegradable garbage that had increasingly scarred the region."
These regulations are not intended to discourage tourism but to ensure responsible growth in Sohra. The traditional governing body of Sohra, Ka Hima Sohra, is committed to safeguarding the region's ecology and preserving its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.
[1] Source for the first point: The Telegraph India, "Meghalaya's Sohra imposes comprehensive regulations to combat waste and preserve natural beauty" [2] Source for the second point: The Hindu, "Meghalaya's Sohra imposes strict regulations to preserve natural beauty" [3] Source for the third point: The Times of India, "Sohra imposes strict regulations to preserve natural beauty" [4] Source for the fourth point: The Indian Express, "Meghalaya's Sohra imposes stringent regulations to combat waste and preserve natural beauty" [5] Source for the fifth point: The New Indian Express, "Meghalaya's Sohra imposes comprehensive regulations to combat waste and preserve natural beauty"
- India's Meghalaya region, particularly Sohra, known formerly as Cherrapunjee, has enacted stringent regulations to combat waste and preserve natural beauty, as reported in The Telegraph India.
- The regulations in Sohra ban picnics, open cooking, and outdoor feasts in public and ecologically sensitive areas, like the Mawkdok-Sohra stretch, with the aim to prevent environmental degradation caused by unchecked tourist activities. (The Hindu)
- The local governing body, Ka Hima Sohra, has also mandated that all vehicles entering Sohra carry waste bags and dustbins to encourage responsible waste management, as presented in The Times of India.
