Shillong, July 1, 2025: In a strong move to enhance tourist safety, the East Khasi Hills district administration in Meghalaya has issued a directive making it mandatory for all tourists to avail the services of a registered guide while undertaking treks or outdoor activities in the district. The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M. Kurbah, who also chairs the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), citing a series of tragic incidents involving unaccompanied travellers.
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| Seven Sisters Water Falls or Nohsngithiang |
The decision comes in the wake of the high-profile murder of Indore-based tourist Raja Raghuvanshi in May, who was killed while trekking in Sohra. Investigations later revealed that the murder was allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, with the help of four outsiders. A total of eight people were arrested in connection with the case, which shocked the state and raised questions about safety measures for visiting tourists.
A similar tragedy struck earlier this year when Hungarian tourist Zsolt Puskás went missing during a solo trek and was found dead weeks later in a remote jungle trail. Authorities believe he might have survived had he not trekked alone.
In response to these incidents, the administration has not only mandated the use of local guides but is also working on a broader set of reforms to improve safety and accountability in the tourism sector. These include mapping trekking trails based on difficulty levels, improving surveillance at key locations, streamlining tourist registration, and introducing a “tourist buddy” system to ensure that visitors are never left alone in high-risk areas.
Deputy Commissioner Kurbah stated that the new regulation is aimed at preventing further mishaps and ensuring that the district remains a safe, accessible, and enjoyable destination for all. She also warned that tourists found violating the guideline could be denied access to trekking routes or face penalties.
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Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, commenting on the new safety drive, said Meghalaya is expecting over two million tourist footfalls this year, and the state cannot afford to take safety lightly. He reiterated the government's commitment to promoting responsible tourism, noting that events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, which will feature international performers, further underscore the need for tighter safety protocols.
The order is expected to take immediate effect, with local authorities tasked with ensuring compliance through community engagement and deployment of trained tourist guides across popular trekking routes in East Khasi Hills.
