SHILLONG : The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has thrown its support behind the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum’s proposal to prohibit roadside and open-space cooking by tourists, saying the growing practice is putting the state’s environment under unnecessary pressure. The organisation described the forum’s proposal as a timely step, arguing that Meghalaya’s scenic landscapes cannot be protected unless stricter measures are introduced to tackle irresponsible tourist behaviour.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said more visitors are now using roadsides, riverbanks, waterfalls and popular viewpoints as makeshift cooking spots and many of these places are left littered with food waste, plastic bottles, disposable plates and other garbage after visitors leave. He said such activities not only spoil the natural beauty of tourist destinations but also pose risks to the fragile ecosystem and public safety.
“Tourism should grow in a way that protects our environment, not damages it. Visitors must enjoy Meghalaya responsibly without leaving behind pollution,” Synrem said. The youth body also believes that discouraging roadside cooking could benefit local businesses.
Synrem said tourists would be more likely to eat at local restaurants, cafés and homestays, allowing more income to reach people who depend on tourism for their livelihood. Calling for immediate government action, HYC urged the state to formally notify a statewide ban and ensure that it is backed by proper enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
The council also said tourists should be provided with practical alternatives instead of only restrictions. It suggested developing designated picnic zones equipped with waste disposal facilities where families and visitors can gather without harming the environment. Synrem maintained that Meghalaya’s tourism industry should create opportunities for local communities while safeguarding the state’s forests, rivers and tourist destinations for future generations.
The HYC’s statement comes days after the Meghalaya Rural Tourism Forum made a similar appeal to the state government, warning that the increasing trend of roadside cooking by visitors could harm both the environment and the long-term sustainability of tourism.