The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Shri Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to address the growing problem of roadside cooking, littering and indiscriminate waste disposal at tourist destinations and public places in the district.
The order follows a communication received from the Director of Tourism, Meghalaya, highlighting the increasing incidence of these activities, particularly along the Shillong–Mawkdok–Sohra Road and other popular tourist locations in East Khasi Hills District.
Such practices have been found to cause environmental degradation, public nuisance, sanitation and public health concerns, traffic obstruction and fire hazards. They also adversely affect Meghalaya’s image as a responsible tourism destination.
Exercising powers under Section 163 BNSS, 2023, the District Magistrate has prohibited the following activities throughout the notified tourist destinations, roadways, viewpoints and public places in East Khasi Hills District:
1. Roadside cooking, including the use of firewood, charcoal, LPG cylinders or any other fuel on road shoulders, viewpoints and public places.
2. Littering and throwing of plastic, food waste, bottles, cans, packaging materials or any other garbage.
3. Indiscriminate disposal or dumping of solid or liquid waste in public places, forests, water bodies, drains or roadside areas.
Any person found violating the order shall be liable for prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable provisions of law.
The order has been passed ex parte in view of the urgency of the matter. It has come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders.
The District Administration has appealed to all tourists, local residents and stakeholders to cooperate fully in maintaining cleanliness, protecting the environment and ensuring responsible tourism in East Khasi Hills District.