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New Indian Express
01-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Meghalaya makes guides mandatory for trekking in East Khasi Hills after tourist deaths
GUWAHATI: Meghalaya has made it mandatory for tourists to hire licenced guides for trekking and other outdoor activities in the East Khasi Hills district. The directive comes on the heels of the death of a Hungarian national Puskás Zsolt and the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, both in the Sohra (Cherrapunji) area of the district. East Khasi Hills District Magistrate and Chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society, Rosetta Mary Kurbah issued the directive in the interest of public safety. Kurbah said mandatory guide services would help prevent tourists from getting lost, injured, or exposed to criminal activities in remote and isolated areas. She said the order would be strictly enforced. The violators would face penalties or be denied access to trekking routes, she added. The administration plans to effectively implement the directive by deploying more trained guides and working with local communities. The dEcomposed body of the Hungarian national was retrieved on April 11, days after he was reported missing. The police suspected that he died after falling from a steep slope.
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- The Hindu
Mandatory guide rule for treks in Sohra following tourist deaths
The East Khasi Hills district administration in Meghalaya has made it compulsory for all visitors to avail the services of licensed tourist guides for outdoor activities, including treks, in the Sohra region. The directive, issued over a month after the death of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon trip on May 23, seeks to improve tourist safety in the area. Mr. Raghuvanshi was allegedly murdered by his wife and her associates. A month earlier, a Hungarian national, Puskás Zsolt, died during a solo trek in the Sohra-Shella area in April. 'In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide, while undertaking treks and outdoor activities in the area,' East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M. Kurbah stated in an order issued on July 1. Ms. Kurbah, who also chairs the District Tourism Promotion Society, said the decision is intended not only to ensure the safety of visitors but also to prevent incidents such as tourists getting lost, injured, or being susceptible to criminal acts in isolated areas. She added that violators may face penalties or be denied access to trekking routes. To ensure the effective implementation of the directive, the district administration plans to deploy additional trained guides and work closely with local communities. The Sohra region, also known as Cherrapunjee, is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Meghalaya. It is known for its scenic trekking trails, waterfalls, root bridges - including the famous double-decker bridge -caves, and rolling meadows.
United News of India
01-07-2025
- United News of India
Meghalaya makes registered guides mandatory for trekkers
Shillong, July 1 (UNI) Weeks after a murder that shook Meghalaya's tourism sector, the state government has announced that registered guides must accompany visitors undertaking treks and outdoor activities. The directive comes following the high-profile killing of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Sohra (Cherrapunjee), allegedly orchestrated by his wife in collusion with a group of accomplices from Madhya Pradesh. The incident, which led to the arrest of eight people, has brought tourist safety under sharp scrutiny, especially in the scenic but remote regions of Meghalaya. Rosetta M. Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills and chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said the new regulation is being enforced to safeguard visitors from unforeseen risks. 'For safety reasons, tourists must now avail the services of registered guides for treks and outdoor activities,' Kurbah said, adding that the move will help reduce risks such as accidents, tourists getting lost in remote terrains, or falling prey to criminal activity. The East Khasi Hills, home to globally renowned natural attractions like the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, numerous cascading waterfalls, and dense subtropical forests, attracts lakhs of visitors annually. While the landscape is breathtaking, the trails are often isolated and complex, posing logistical and safety challenges for unaccompanied travelers. Officials have confirmed that the new rule will be strictly enforced. Tourists who fail to comply may face penalties or even be denied access to popular trekking routes. To ensure smooth implementation, the district administration has committed to recruiting and training more local guides, thereby also creating employment opportunities within the community. This is not the first time Meghalaya has taken regulatory steps to protect its tourism economy, which contributes significantly to local livelihoods. Past measures have included visitor caps at ecologically sensitive sites and compulsory registration of homestays. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh welcomed the latest safety mandate, noting that Meghalaya's target of attracting over two million tourists this year can only be achieved if visitor trust is preserved through proactive measures. 'We are deeply committed to ensuring that Meghalaya remains a peaceful and safe destination for all. Events like the Cherry Blossom Festival in Shillong later this year, which will feature international artists, are testimony to our growing tourism ambitions,' Lyngdoh said. Meghalaya, often referred to as the "abode of clouds," is among the top eco-tourism destinations in India, with the East Khasi Hills leading in visitor footfall. UNI ABI PRS
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Raja Raghuvanshi murder: Planning trip to Meghalaya? Hiring guides now mandatory
SHILLONG: In a bid to enhance tourist safety, authorities in Meghalaya have made it mandatory for visitors to hire registered guides while undertaking outdoor activities in the East Khasi Hills district, officials said. The decision comes in the wake of the high-profile murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly planned by his wife during their honeymoon in the scenic Sohra region last month. "In view of safety reasons, it is now mandatory for all tourists to take the services of a registered tourist guide while undertaking treks (and outdoor activities) in the area," East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Rosetta M Kurbah said in an order. Kurbah, who also serves as chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), said mandatory guide services aim to enhance visitor safety and prevent incidents such as tourists getting lost, injured, or falling prey to crimes in remote areas. She cited serious safety concerns in the aftermath of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, which rocked the state and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals from Indore. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Tourism officials added that the directive will be strictly enforced, with penalties for violators. Tourists found flouting the rule may be denied access to popular trekking routes. The district is home to some of Meghalaya's top attractions, including the double-decker living root bridge, stunning waterfalls, and rolling meadows—all of which attract adventure seekers year-round. To facilitate the implementation, the administration plans to deploy more trained guides and collaborate with local communities. The tourism department is also working on improving safety infrastructure in the region. Tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said the state is expecting a surge in tourist footfall, projecting over two million visitors this year. Among the major attractions planned is the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival, which will feature performances by international artists in Shillong. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Time of India
Tourist guides must for treks in East Khasi Hills
Shillong: Authorities in Meghalaya have made it mandatory for tourists visiting East Khasi Hills to take the services of designated guides while trekking in the district. "The deputy commissioner and chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS), East Khasi Hills District, has informed the general public that in view of the safety reasons, it is mandatory for tourists to take tourist guide services while trekking to avoid any unfortunate events," an official notification issued on Monday said. The notification comes in the wake of the murder of Indore-based tourist and businessman Raja Raghuvanshi on May 23 by assailants from outside the state, allegedly at the behest of his wife Sonam, while they were trekking in the Sohra area without any guide. Earlier on April 10, the body of a Hungarian tourist, Puskas Zsolt, who was trekking alone, was retrieved from a remote jungle trail.
