Shillong, July 26 -- In a move to preserve its natural beauty and promote sustainable tourism, authorities under Hima Sohra have banned picnicking, open cooking, and outdoor dining along the popular Mawkdok-Sohra Road and other areas in Meghalaya.

The decision comes after extensive reports of widespread littering and indiscriminate waste dumping by picnic groups, both local and from outside the state.

Paiem Maremdor Syiem, Syiem Khynnah, Hima Sohra, emphasized that such irresponsible practices pose a significant threat to the region's pristine environment.

Under the new guidelines, picnicking, open cooking, and outdoor dining are prohibited along the Mawkdok-Sohra Road and in other areas unless explicitly permitted by the local Dorbar ...