In a bid to enhance tourist safety, authorities in Meghalaya have made it compulsory for visitors to the East Khasi Hills district to have guides. The order comes a month after the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi which was planned by his wife during their honeymoon in the state’s Sohra region.
In an order, East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M Qurbah said that, given safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered guide while mountaineering in the area.
He said mandatory guide services would not only ensure better safety for visitors but would also help prevent incidents such as getting lost, getting injured, or becoming victims of criminal activities in isolated areas. They have cited security concerns after the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. Tourism officials said the order will be strictly enforced, and violators may be fined or barred from visiting various routes. The administration also plans to deploy more trained guides and work closely with local communities to effectively implement the directive.
Kurbah is also the president of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS). She cited security concerns after the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case. The incident is being discussed across the country and eight people have been arrested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh in the case.
Tourism officials said the order will be strictly enforced, and violators may be fined or barred from using various routes. The administration also plans to deploy more trained guides and work closely with local communities to effectively implement the directive.
