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Community Custodianship is Meghalaya’s Best Safeguard

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Tourism Without Limits

By Nicholas Jason Iangrai

A week ago, I came across an Instagram reel shared by the proprietor of a local tour company. He wrote: “We do not usually disclose the location of any place that is new or not known to many people. There are several places we explore ourselves, but we often choose not to post pictures, make reels, or create content simply to gain followers or likes. This is because, even if you do not reveal the exact location, once a reel of a place goes up on the internet, within a few weeks or months you will see so-called influencers, waterfall chasers, and travellers rushing to these spots.”
It was refreshing to read this because it provoked a thought I’ve carried with me for a long time. Too often, a hidden spot remains pristine until it blows up on Instagram. Then, almost overnight, footfalls multiply and what was once a serene corner becomes crowded, polluted, and in danger of losing the very essence that made it special.
Tourism undeniably brings jobs and income. As a labour-intensive service industry, it has opened opportunities for guides, home-stay owners, and local food and beverage operators, among countless others who rely on visitors for their livelihoods. Especially in our state, where the sector has a significant impact on the economy, tourist arrivals have steadily increased over time, but as with any fast-growing sector, the question we must ask is: at what cost?
The Meghalaya Tourism Policy 2023 itself recognises this fragility. Its very first core guiding principle is Sustainable and Responsible Tourism, which explicitly acknowledges that Meghalaya lies in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and therefore requires thoughtful care. Under this, the Policy speaks of respecting the carrying capacity of destinations. The UN World Tourism Organization defines this as “the maximum number of people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time, without causing destruction of the physical, economic, and socio-cultural environment, and without an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors’ satisfaction.”
Yet despite this principle being laid down, what we see on the ground is often the opposite: places are being pushed beyond their natural limits. In many cases, it has been the Dorbar Shnong and community members who have had to step in by regulating entry, setting fees, or even temporarily closing areas to protect them.
A striking example is the canyon-like rock formations at Mawrah village in Khat-ar Shnong Laitkroh block. The spot exploded last year in popularity after Instagram reels showcased its dramatic landscape. Within weeks, the village decided to temporarily restrict entry simply to give the land a chance to breathe and to deliberate on safeguards for the future. It was a firm reminder that while social media may create instant fame, it rarely accounts for long-term sustainability.
This concern was also raised by Emica Nongkynrih in a letter to the editor (The Shillong Times, August 26, 2025). She questioned whether the government, while promoting tourism through festivals, ropeways, skywalks and other attractions, has considered the strain this puts on our infrastructure and people’s daily lives. Roads in areas like Kenches Trace, Lawsohtun, or Lumparing are already congested. How will they bear the added traffic and parking pressure from projects like the ropeway? As she noted, even a single football match or music show can throw Shillong off balance. Now imagine that on a much larger and permanent scale. The bigger question she posed was whether our infrastructure and planning are moving in tandem with our ambitions, or whether we are rushing ahead blindly.
The issue is not merely ecological. It is also cultural and social. Villages that possess these natural assets are rarely involved in planning how tourism should unfold in their backyards. More often than not, they are left to clean up the mess, both literal and figurative, while outsiders benefit from content creation or short-term business. Many travel agencies, based in the city or even outside the state, operate independently without involving villagers. This sidelines communities from decision-making, leaving them as passive recipients instead of active stakeholders. In reality, villagers should be at the very forefront of tourism, not treated as mere beneficiaries.
Khonoma Village in Nagaland provides the most compelling example. Once known for hunting, it transformed into India’s first “Green Village” through community-driven conservation. This model demonstrates exactly what we need here: community custodianship and ownership. All conservation and tourism activities are carried out by the local community and village institutions formed under the guidance of the Village Council. Bodies such as the Khonoma Youth Organisation and Eco-Tourism Management Committees are actively involved in decision-making, with the authority to even grant certain permissions or impose fines. This shows how a village, by placing itself at the centre of planning, can balance livelihoods with preservation.
This is why the conversation must shift from “eco-tourism” as a fashionable label to actual mechanisms of controlled and restricted tourism. Eco-tourism, when left unchecked, too often becomes a convenient tagline to justify business as usual.
Villagers know their land best—they understand how much it can take, when it needs rest, and what rules are necessary to protect it. Community custodianship, then, is not just about conservation but also about empowerment, ensuring that those who live closest to the land are also its strongest defenders, economically and socially. Meghalaya does not need to look far for proof: Mawlynnong village has successfully managed tourism growth while maintaining its environmental standards, with systematic measures like visitor counters at entrances, rules explained to tourists, and robust waste management.
The state already has the policy framework, successful regional examples, and strong community structures to build on. The path forward lies in trusting communities, so that tourism benefits both the land and local livelihoods, rather than being driven by external promotion at the expense of people and the environment. Initiatives like the Tourist Buddy Scheme, launched by the Tourism Department in 2024, are encouraging in this regard, especially as they engage local youth. Yet their impact will depend on how far communities are truly given the authority to guide tourism, rather than merely participate. The scheme is currently rolling out at select prime locations, but Meghalaya has numerous tourist spots, many of them in remote areas. Scaling it will be challenging, which is why Meghalaya’s future in tourism depends on a community-led approach above all else.

CM denies political motive behind dist council pay offer

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: Amid state government looking to assume responsibility for paying the salaries of all employees of the three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has asserted that the proposed reforms are aimed at streamlining the bodies, denying any political motive behind the offer.
This comes in the wake of the ongoing salary crisis in the GHADC, where employees are yet to be paid 43 months of salaries. The CM on Friday met Nokma representatives from across the Garo Hills, along with GSU leader Tengsak Momin, to discuss the proposed reforms in GHADC.
In the meeting, held in Shillong, the chief minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging with traditional council members in shaping any administrative changes. The discussions focused on enhancing governance efficiency while preserving the GHADC’s cultural and political authority.
Sangma emphasised that reforms will proceed only after detailed dialogue with Nokmas, the hereditary village chiefs who hold constitutional authority within the GHADC framework.
“Assured them (Nokmas) that the reforms are purely from a financial standpoint. The autonomy and sanctity of the duties of the Council is enshrined in constitutional provision,” the CM said in a post on X.
No formal proposals or timelines have yet been disclosed. Further consultations are expected to clarify which functions may be restructured, and whether any merger of administrative roles will occur.
Experts and local observers believe that, if handled with sensitivity, the reforms could bring improved service delivery and transparency without undermining indigenous governance structures.
Nonetheless, critics caution that pushing through structural changes without widespread local involvement could lead to political resistance.
In the future, the state government is expected to hold a series of stakeholder meetings across Garo Hills before finalising any proposals.
It may be noted that the state government has announced that it will assume responsibility for paying the salaries of all employees of Meghalaya’s three ADCs only after obtaining consent and holding consultations with the councils.
The move, expected to begin in November, is aimed at addressing the persistent financial crisis faced by the ADCs.
A dedicated committee has been constituted to coordinate with the GHADC, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The committee has been given 45 days to ensure that all necessary systems are put in place for a smooth rollout of the new arrangement.
Commissioner and Secretary of the District Council Affairs Department, CVD Diengdoh, stated that the committee will work in detail and seek the consent of the Councils, as the process must be carried out in consultation with them.

Govt rolls out scheme to help build parking spaces in city

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: The Urban Affairs department has launched the Grant-in-Aid Scheme for Off-Street Parking under the Meghalaya Parking Policy for Urban Areas, 2025, in a bid to ease the growing problem of traffic congestion in Shillong.
With the city facing mounting pressure from unregulated on-street parking and a steady rise in private vehicle ownership, the scheme aims to expand organised parking infrastructure and improve overall mobility in urban spaces.
Under this initiative, financial assistance will be provided to private landowners, Dorbar Shnongs, NGOs, and cooperative societies for developing surface-level, stacked, and automated parking facilities. Support for surface-level and stacked parking has been fixed at Rs 1 lakh per Equivalent Car Space (ECS), with a minimum of 10 ECS required. Automated parking projects will be eligible for 75 percent of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) cost or up to ₹5 lakh per ECS, with a minimum of 20 ECS.
The scheme is demand-driven, and proposals will be screened by a designated committee before approval. Selected applicants will be responsible for constructing, operating, and maintaining the facilities, which are to be used strictly for commercial parking and not for private purposes. Operators will retain the right to collect parking fees, but only at rates notified by the Competent Authority.
The state government has described the scheme as a step towards creating a more organised and commuter-friendly city, reaffirming its commitment to building congestion-free, accessible, and efficient urban spaces.
The first round of Expressions of Interest will remain open until September 30, 2025, with applications to be submitted through the official portal: www.invest.meghalaya.gov.in.

No valid papers, no labour licence: Govt

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: Labour Minister Shakliar Warjri on Friday reaffirmed that the government will not compromise on the interests and safety of the indigenous population by issuing labour licences to migrant workers without proper documentation.
He told reporters that all migrant workers are required to apply for labour licences through the official web portal and submit the necessary documents.
“Without valid documents, no labour licence will be issued,” he stated.
When asked about the Hynniewtrep Youth Council’s (HYC) concerns regarding forged or illegally obtained “acknowledgement slips” and “registration cards” by migrant workers, particularly in the Byrnihat area, the minister said he will convene a review meeting to look into the matter.
“I will be able to respond once I hold discussions with my officers,” he added.
Recently, the HYC had urged the Joint Labour Commissioner to address concerns about the practice of interstate migrant workers forging acknowledgement slips to enter Meghalaya.
In a letter addressed to the officer, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said that during anti-influx drives at construction sites and factories, members of the organisation detected migrant workers working only on the strength of the Labour Department’s acknowledgement slip.
The HYC urged the Labour Commissioner to direct all concerned, including police personnel at infiltration check gates, not to take these slips as valid documents until a registration card is issued.
The HYC also argued that acknowledgement slips and registration cards were being manufactured, forged, or illegally obtained by migrant workers, particularly in the Byrnihat area.
The HYC submitted a copy of a doctored registration card purportedly issued by the Registration Officer of East Jaintia Hills to one Bishal Sharma on February 1, 2026.
“It was detected by our members on August 20 during an anti-influx drive at the Byrnihat Check Post. This shows that there may be thousands of migrant workers who may not have applied through the proper system and entered Meghalaya illegally, which poses a threat to the state as a whole,” Synrem said.
He demanded the necessary steps to ensure that migrant workers enter Meghalaya legally and follow due process. He also sought strict action against individuals making or selling forged documents.

Now, Laitumkhrah vendors’ survey on cards

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: The High Court of Meghalaya on Friday issued several directions to the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) on the presence of hawkers in Laitumkhrah, while pointing out that its report on the hawkers in the area does not project a good picture at all.
A registered society named Seng Samla Laitumkhrah “Ieng Skhem Ha Ka Hok” had submitted an application, seeking the extension of the action on the street hawkers of Police Bazar to the Laitumkhrah area. The court took cognisance of the application and directed the SMB to file a report on the number of street vending licenses issued in the Laitumkhrah area, with the names of the licensees.
Accordingly, the SMB filed a report to the court. “The facts which emerge from this report do not project a good picture at all. It appears that there is a large number of hawkers in the Laitumkhrah area. None of them possesses any certificate of vending or a vending licence,” the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh said.
According to the SMB, only 22 out of 122 vendors are “eligible under the provisions of the scheme” for trading. This implied that these 22 do not possess any licence despite being “eligible”, the court said.
“It is not very clear what the Board means, but it has stated ‘additionally 48 vendors claimed themselves as street vendors’. So, the summary is that 122 plus 48 street vendors are operating in the above area without any licence,” the court said.
According to the court, it further appeared that the survey of street vendors was carried out between January 12 and 16 in 2024, and it is highly likely that the figure has increased today. It noted that the SMB did not conduct any inspection or survey after the court’s order on August 14. Expecting more concerted action from the SMB under such circumstances, the court asked it to undertake a thorough survey in the Laitumkhrah area and prepare an inventory of the street vendors within three weeks from Friday. It sought details such as names, the merchandise sold, the area occupied by each, and the period from when each had been vending.
“The Board, with the help of the administration, including the local police, will ensure that, till further orders, not a single additional vendor is allowed to trade in that area. To prevent such acts, a strict vigil has to be maintained.
“The Board will consider all pending applications before it for the grant of certificates of vending/vending licences and consider those applications in accordance with the law within eight weeks from the date,” the court said, adding that this should include the 22 found “eligible” earlier.
The court said the SMB may give an opportunity to those vendors who are “eligible” but have not made applications or who do not have licences to apply for them, and shall process the same in accordance with the law.
At the same time, the SMB and the administration were directed to identify a suitable place for the relocation of the licensed vendors. The state and the Board were also directed to file a joint or independent report to the court.

Govt rejects reports of Assam looking to step in if Meghalaya aborts

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National Games 2027

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri on Friday reaffirmed that Meghalaya is fully prepared to host the National Games 2027, firmly dismissing reports suggesting that Assam might step in if Meghalaya withdraws.
“There is no doubt that Meghalaya will successfully host the National Games in 2027. I have not received any such information regarding Assam stepping in,” Warjri told reporters.
He stressed that the state remains confident and committed to hosting the mega sporting event. “I want to reassure everyone that the state is fully ready to host the National Games,” he reiterated.
Warjri also shared that discussions are still under way regarding the distribution of sporting disciplines among other Northeastern states, which are expected to co-host some events. “We’ve had only one round of meetings with other states in the region. Final decisions will be made in future rounds,” he said.
Reports suggest that Assam is not particularly keen on co-hosting, citing ongoing construction of most of its sports infrastructure. However, it is understood that Assam may consider bidding to host the entire Games if Meghalaya fails to meet deadlines.
So far, Tripura is the only Northeastern state to positively confirm its role, agreeing to host gymnastics. Other states have expressed interest in hosting disciplines that Meghalaya is already prepared to conduct on its own. Meanwhile, Warjri announced that the state government has earmarked Rs 1,900 crore for the development of sports infrastructure over the next three years, which will also aid preparations for the National Games. “The specific allocation for the Games is yet to be finalised. We’ll deliberate further before sharing the exact figures,” he said.
In addition, the Sports department plans to construct hostels to support athletes from remote parts of the state. “We are planning to construct these hostels in the parking area of Polo Ground,” Warjri revealed.

Talks can address cabbies’ demand to ban taxis from outside: Official

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: Commissioner and Secretary of Home Department CVD Diengdoh, who heads a government-constituted committee examining the issues of tourist taxi associations, said the demands for restricting the entry of taxis from outside the state into tourist spots in Meghalaya must be looked at from multiple perspectives rather than a single viewpoint.
Speaking to media persons here on Friday, Diengdoh said discussions were held with the taxi associations. He said some of their issues will require consultations with different stakeholders, including hoteliers and tour operators.
The committee suggested subsidising the parking fee at the Guwahati Airport as it is too high. The department concerned is looking into it, Diengdoh said, adding that the other issues of the associations should be taken up with the state government for discussions.
Asked about possible repercussions of restricting taxis from outside the state in Meghalaya, he said these issues have to be looked at from all perspectives given the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
“One should exercise care while taking decisions, and assess their possible impact,” he stressed.
He also said that the committee explored various ways so the issues can be addressed. He added that discussions were held to explain to the associations why it is difficult to implement some of their suggestions.
Earlier, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh had cautioned that restricting the entry of vehicles from outside the state could trigger a backlash in Assam, affecting the movement of the people of Meghalaya to the airport, railway stations, and hospitals in Guwahati.

M’laya man found dead in Kerala rly toilet

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: On the journey to his destination after securing a hospitality job, 26-year-old Jonathan Rynjah from Mawlai Nongkwar Block-1 was tragically found lying dead in a toilet at a railway station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
His grieving parents were informed of the tragedy after receiving a call from Kerala police on Friday morning. They now face the painful dilemma of bringing their son’s body home, as they lack the financial means to do so.
Speaking to reporters at the Mawlai police station on Friday night, Jonathan’s father, Rakesh Shabong, said the family could not fully understand the circumstances of their son’s death due to communication barriers with the Kerala police.
He recalled that Jonathan had left for Kerala on August 26 after securing a hotel job in Thiruvananthapuram through the help of a former colleague. Jonathan had previously worked in Kerala but was forced to return to Shillong during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Recently, he told us he would return to Kerala to look for work again,” Rakesh said. The father further revealed that the last call he received from Jonathan was on the morning of August 27, when his son informed him that he had boarded a train from Guwahati. Since then, the family had been unable to contact him despite repeated attempts.
The distraught father said it was impossible for the family to travel on their own to Kerala to claim the body, appealing to authorities, public representatives, and the state government for urgent assistance.
“We are helpless. We do not have the financial resources to bring back his body,” he said.
The parents have also sought help from the Rangbah Shnong of Nongkwar, Moon Rumnong, who has assured some support to the family.
Meanwhile, Mawlai police remain in touch with their counterparts in Kerala to gather more details about the circumstances surrounding Jonathan’s death.

SMB tenders for urban infra work violates Sixth Schedule: MDC

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: Laban-Mawprem independent MDC Ricky Shullai on Friday slammed the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) for floating tenders to construct roads, footpaths, and drains in several urban KHADC constituencies, terming it a violation of the Sixth Schedule.
Speaking to reporters after meeting KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah, Shullai said it was unprecedented for the municipal board to implement schemes meant for urban MDC constituencies falling under the Sixth Schedule area.
He revealed that he had come across a tender floated by the SMB on Thursday, which included construction of a motorable road and drain under Jaiaw MDC constituency, and footpath and drain works in Mawkhar–Pynthorumkhrah, Laban-Mawprem, and Laitumkhrah-Malki MDC constituencies.
Calling the move unacceptable, Shullai said, “This is an insult to the electorate who elected us to represent them in the KHADC, an autonomous body under the Sixth Schedule.”
He pointed out that the decision came even as discussions between the KHADC and the state government on the allocation of schemes under the 15th Finance Commission were still ongoing. He added that both the KHADC Executive Committee and he, at a personal level, were in consultation with the government regarding confusion over the allotment of schemes in urban constituencies.
Expressing concern, Shullai warned that the SMB’s action poses a serious threat to the authority of the Council. “By allowing schemes meant for the people of the MDC constituencies in the Sixth Schedule areas to be handed over to an outside body, the powers of the Council are being sidelined,” he said.
Reaffirming his stand, Shullai stated, “As an MDC elected from the 15 Laban-Mawprem Constituency, I strongly oppose this manner of functioning. I have taken this issue seriously and urged the CEM of the KHADC to immediately intervene and seek clarification from the state government.”
He assured his constituents and the public at large that he would continue to safeguard the powers and essence of the District Council. He further added that he would ensure schemes meant for the people are not diverted or taken away.

State keen on pvt investments in hydropower sector

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By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 29: The Meghalaya government is keen to invite private investments in the hydropower sector with the added benefit of availing up to 13 per cent free power, even as it has started working on phase II of the Myntdu Leshka Hydro Electric Project (MLHEP).
Sanjay Goyal, Managing Director of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), on Friday said the government is going as per the resource adequacy plan, prepared by the Central Electric Authority, to generate more power in order to meet the state’s increasing demands.
“We are exploring some tie-ups for solar power and even for hydropower, as the DPR for the second phase of MLHEP is at an advanced stage,” he said.The first phase of MLHEP, which generates 126 MW of power, was commissioned in 2012.
As the state recently got a boost with the commissioning of the Ganol Hydro Power projects, it now wants to explore the possibility of working with a private developer to avail of the benefits of 13 per cent free power.
Goyal said the Pump Storage Project (PSP) will be beneficial for the developers as well as for the state, and negotiations are on with different agencies to see the kind of benefits which Meghalaya will get with the setting up of the PSP.
Stating that the idea of thermal projects has not been abandoned, Goyal said the government is hoping to receive some proposals once there is more clarity on the scientific mining of coal that has just started.
Meanwhile, the MeECL is confident that there will be no scheduled load shedding in Meghalaya throughout the festive season till March-April next year, as the state is now in a comfortable position and some tie-ups have also been made for the dry season.
Goyal said whatever disruptions are taking place are due to rain and the felling of trees, as turbulent weather often uproots the poles and snaps the conductors of MeECL.
Also, power is shut down at times due to the upgradation of infrastructure in terms of lines, replacement of poles and transformers, and even for charging new substations. “The impact of all these upgradations will be visible by next year,” Goyal said.