Digital Desk: In light of two tragic incidents in Sohra, the Meghalaya Tourism Department has announced that tourist guide services will now be mandatory for all trekking activities.
This measure is aimed at improving safety and preventing unfortunate incidents during such excursions.
Addressing the media, Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced that the decision will be implemented on a trial basis initially, with the intention to gradually extend it across all major tourist destinations in the state.
This measure comes in the wake of two deeply distressing incidents.
The first incident involved a Hungarian tourist, Puskas Zolt, whose body was recovered on April 10 along an abandoned trail near Tirna village. He had gone trekking alone and was reported missing shortly after.
The second case was that of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, who was found murdered in a high-profile case that shook the state.
Raja and his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi had hired a guide only up to Nongriat and declined guidance on the return journey, claiming familiarity with the route.
It is now believed that the presence of a guide could have prevented the tragic incident, which led to the arrest of five, including Sonam and her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha.
Following these incidents, various stakeholders, including civil society groups and local organizations, called for stricter regulations and mandatory guide services for tourists engaging in treks across Meghalaya.
The department hopes that this proactive step will not only enhance the safety of visitors but also build greater confidence in Meghalaya as a responsible and secure travel destination.
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