Shillong, Aug 5: A prohibitory order banning roadside cooking, littering and waste dumping at tourist destinations and public places in East Khasi hills was issued on Wednesday, with violators liable to face action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023.
East Khasi Hills District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal issued the order under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023 came into force on Wednesday following inputs from the Tourism department about growing violations along the Shillong–Mawkdok–Sohra Road and other key tourist areas.
The order states that said such activities were causing environmental damage, sanitation problems, traffic snarls and fire risks, and were hurting the state’s image as a tourism destination.
It also prohibits cooking with firewood, charcoal, LPG or any fuel on roadsides and viewpoints, and bans throwing of plastic, food waste, bottles and other garbage in public places, forests, drains and water bodies.
The administration has urged tourists and locals to cooperate to keep East Khasi Hills clean and promote responsible tourism.
The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
