Shillong, July 20: The number of illegal toll gates in Ri-Bhoi district, especially along NH-6, has significantly declined in recent years, observed Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem.
The UDP MLA said the positive development is due to the government’s efforts to regulate checkpoints and making it mandatory to use only authorised entry and exit points for inspecting goods and vehicles.
Claiming that there were multiple unregulated checkpoints 15 years ago even on national highways, he said, the checkpoints often led to extortion-like practices.
“But today, the situation has improved a lot,” he told reporters.
Admitting that such incidents may still occur at some places, he said there has been a “visible change on the ground.”
Most illegal toll gates that once operated openly are no longer present, he asserted.
Syiem said government departments such as Forest and GST now operate designated mobile posts and fixed checkpoints to monitor the transport of goods, especially forest products and raw materials.
“There may be isolated incidents here and there, but overall, there are no illegal toll gates visible along the highway stretch that falls under my constituency,” Syiem said, citing his personal visits and field observations.
Syiem emphasised the need for vigilance even over authorised mobile checking units to prevent misuse.
“These mobile units are supposed to function under clear government instructions. We must ensure they do not overstep or turn into something else,” he said.
The Nongpoh MLA also said the state government remains serious about curbing illegal toll collection and promoting transparency.
“The goal is to keep enforcement in check and ensure only legitimate monitoring takes place,” he said.
Ri-Bhoi emerges as tourist destination
Meanwhile, the Nongpoh MLA said Ri-Bhoi is beginning to attract interest beyond its well-known destinations such as Umiam Lake and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park.
He said new projects such as resorts and homestay ventures are taking shape with the help of schemes introduced under the Chief Minister’s initiatives aimed at supporting tourism-related start-ups and entrepreneurs.
He credited the positive trend to government initiatives and consistent budgetary support, particularly during the financial years 2023–24, 2024–25, and 2025–26.
“As an MLA, I’ve also identified new sites with tourism potential and already submitted proposals to the government,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of preserving the entire ecosystem surrounding Eri silk, from rearing to spinning, dyeing, and weaving.
He pointed out that Umden-Diwon, a village in his constituency, was declared a “silk village” in 2021 in recognition of its longstanding contribution to Eri silk production.
Syiem welcomed the national attention the craft has received, including a recent mention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but stressed the need for sustained government support.
He revealed that several proposals had been submitted in collaboration with the state Textile Department, including the creation of an “Eri Hub” in Umsning.
