CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: In the aftermath of the shocking murder of a tourist in Meghalaya, the state government has stepped up efforts to reinforce safety and security in the tourism sector. Under the “Safe Tourism” initiative, a comprehensive action plan has been announced to both enhance visitor experience and clamp down on tourism-related crimes.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh revealed that all accommodation providers—lodges, resorts, homestays, and paying guest facilities—are now required to register every traveller through the state’s official tourism app. “This app already contains all traveller data. From now on, all travellers must be compulsorily registered, and their data will be shared with the local police stations,” he said, adding that non-compliance would hold the accommodation owner accountable in case of any legal breach.
The government’s wider strategy includes stricter entry-exit monitoring, mandatory digital tracking, and a ban on private vehicles ferrying tourists in an effort to close existing security gaps. Lyngdoh stated, “You must have also seen the ban on the use of private vehicles to ferry travellers.”
Additionally, the state cabinet is planning to strengthen the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to make it more effective in curbing crimes. “Revisiting the MRSSA and giving it more teeth will go a long way in helping us control crime,” he said.
The minister praised the swift resolution of the high-profile murder case involving tourist Sonam Raghuvanshi, commending the Meghalaya Police for cracking the case in just seven days.
To improve safe and regulated transport for tourists, Lyngdoh announced that the state will induct 50 new prime tourism vehicles by July. Interested entrepreneurs will be invited to participate in the scheme.
While acknowledging a temporary dip in tourist numbers, the minister pointed out that various factors, including urban traffic congestion and flash floods at Jorabat and Khanapara, have contributed to the decline. “It’s not just this incident. Issues like traffic and waterlogging are also major deterrents,” he said, assuring that steps are being taken in coordination with Assam to address these problems.
Looking ahead, Lyngdoh expressed confidence that tourism in the state would recover, especially with events like the Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 on the horizon. “Now that the case has been solved, we expect the sector to bounce back strongly,” he said optimistically.
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