Meghalaya tourism to roll out ‘tourist buddies’ at major hotspots

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In the wake of a recent tourist fatality in Meghalaya, questions have emerged about the state’s preparedness to safeguard visitors. Addressing the issue, Meghalaya Tourism Director Cyril V. Diengdoh confirmed that the department is actively moving forward with a new initiative aimed at enhancing tourist safety — the deployment of ‘tourist buddies’ across key destinations.

“So the government has thought it best that we have a concept called tourist buddies, which we have also advertised, we are trying to get more applicants because the number of applicants was not too many,” said Diengdoh, detailing the government’s strategy. “What we’re doing is the concept is very simple. In certain tourist locations, we are encouraging local youth from that area to apply as tourist buddies. These buddies will act as tourist guides. They’ll be trained to look at first aid and emergency services if required. And they’ll be the first responders to the tourists, both from the perspective of providing information to tourists as tourist guides and general information about the location. And also, as emergency responders in case tourists require something or there’s a certain complaint.”

Diengdoh emphasized the importance of involving local youth in this safety framework. When asked about the rollout zones for the project, he confirmed, “So we are starting in the major tourist spots as of now — places like Sohra, places like Shillong, places like Dawki, Mawlynnong, etc., in the major locations. And once we start in these major locations, we’ll see how it works and we’ll definitely extend to other locations.”

The scheme, while providing immediate safety support, also offers a temporary source of employment.  Diengdoh clarified that the initiative is designed as a community-based safety support — not a replacement for official law enforcement.

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