Shillong: The Sohra Civil Sub-Division has imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning roadside cooking, open fires and littering across its jurisdiction with immediate effect.
The order, issued by Sohra Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mark A. Challam, follows reports of tourists and visitors preparing food along roadsides, lay-bys, viewpoints and other undesignated public spaces, particularly along the Shillong–Sohra–Shella Road.
Authorities said the practice has resulted in indiscriminate littering, environmental degradation, public nuisance and traffic obstruction, while also posing serious fire hazards.
Under the order, individuals and groups are prohibited from cooking, lighting fires or using LPG cylinders, kerosene stoves, charcoal stoves, firewood, barbecue grills, or any other cooking or heating appliances on roadsides, parking areas, viewpoints, forest areas and other public places within the Sohra Civil Sub-Division.
The restrictions apply to the Shillong–Sohra–Shella Road as well as all other public roads and public spaces within the subdivision.
The administration has, however, exempted designated picnic sites or locations specifically approved by the competent authority or the concerned Dorbar Shnong, where cooking is permitted and proper waste disposal and fire safety arrangements are in place.
The order also prohibits littering, directing visitors to remove all food waste, plastic, bottles, disposable utensils, packaging materials and other refuse, and dispose of them only at authorised waste collection points.
Police, Executive Magistrates, officials from the Forest, Tourism and Public Works Departments, local authorities, and Dorbar Shnongs have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order.
Violators will face prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and other applicable environmental laws.
According to the notification, the order came into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further orders. It was issued on August 3, 2026.
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