Shillong: In the wake of the tragic incident involving a missing couple from Indore in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), the East Khasi Hills district administration convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to address growing safety concerns and propose comprehensive reforms for the region’s tourism sector.
The meeting, held in Sohra, brought together over 200 participants including homestay owners, traditional village leaders (Dorbar Shnongs), hospitality stakeholders, and administrative officials.
Initiated by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Sohra, the session aimed to draft concrete strategies to enhance tourist safety, regulate trekking activities, and strengthen surveillance infrastructure in the area.
Debashish Joel Ryan Shati, owner of the popular Orange Roots vegetarian restaurant, said the community stood united in grief and concern. “Everyone present—homestay owners, stakeholders, Rangbah Shnongs, and representatives from local Durbars—expressed their sorrow and offered prayers for the bereaved family,” said Shati.
A major point of concern raised during the meeting was the lack of traceable data on tourists venturing into remote or lesser-known trails. Referencing both the recent Indore case and an earlier incident involving a Hungarian tourist, the SDPO stressed the urgent need for mandatory guides for treks, improved tourist registration, and structured communication between agencies.
“There’s increasing consensus around making it compulsory for tourists to hire local guides, particularly when accessing difficult or less-travelled routes. This will help ensure a record of movement and better coordination during emergencies,” Shati noted.
Actionable proposals discussed included mapping and classifying all existing trekking trails based on difficulty levels; Issuing standardised safety advisories for tourists; Setting up CCTV surveillance and improved monitoring at key entry and exit points; Establishing a “tourist buddy” system, where local youth or guides accompany tourists to ensure safety and provide real-time information.
“The idea is to involve the local communities more deeply. When villagers take responsibility as guides or tourist buddies, it builds trust and ensures quicker response if anything goes wrong,” added Shati.
Shati also pointed to a major gap in coordination with tour operators, particularly those from outside the state. “Many travel agencies plan trips without understanding local terrain or logistical constraints. Not all taxi drivers are comfortable trekking with tourists, and some visitors end up navigating risky trails alone,” he explained.
The meeting further discussed streamlining trekking activity by designating specific trails for guided use only. “While final decisions lie with individual Dorbars, the idea of mapping and regulating trails has received strong support. It could help control tourist movement more effectively,” he said.
The session ended with a shared understanding: Sohra remains a beloved tourist destination, but the tragedy has underscored the urgent need for stronger oversight, better infrastructure, and closer collaboration between locals, authorities, and tourism operators. Stakeholders agreed to continue consultations and swiftly implement the proposals discussed to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of future visitors.
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