Staff Reporter
Shillong, June 18: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today said the state government has decided to adopt a multipronged approach to ensure the safety and security of tourists visiting Meghalaya.

Key measures include the compulsory registration of tourists, installation of CCTV cameras at high-footfall tourist destinations, and restrictions on the use of private vehicles for ferrying travelers.

Speaking to media persons, Lyngdoh said all accommodation units will now be required to register their guests through the Tourism Department’s mobile app, which is currently used by around 60 per cent of service providers.

The government has also banned the use of private vehicles to transport tourists, a move aimed at enhancing both regulatory control and safety standards.

“More importantly, the cabinet's decision to revisit the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and give it more teeth will significantly strengthen our ability to control crimes,” Lyngdoh added.

Referring to the recent murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, Lyngdoh said the swift investigation and arrests by Meghalaya Police have served as a strong deterrent to criminal elements.

“The Meghalaya Police cracked the Sonam Raghuvanshi case in just seven days. That spectacular performance has certainly sent a clear message — you are welcome as tourists, but if you come here with criminal intent, the law will catch up with you immediately,” he said.

The minister also announced that the government would introduce a new fleet of 50 prime tourist vehicles by July, adding that interested entrepreneurs would be invited to apply under a formal scheme.

Meanwhile, the government has directed the Sohra Tourism Association to submit a list of vulnerable areas identified for CCTV installation. “Once we receive the list, we will begin the process of installation immediately,” Lyngdoh said. Locations identified for priority action include Umiam Lake, Ward's Lake, Sohra, Dawki, and other popular destinations.

On the reported dip in tourist footfall following the recent murder case, Lyngdoh said that multiple factors must be considered. “In tourism, which is a fragile sector, ups and downs are normal. A decline cannot be attributed to one single incident. Issues like traffic congestion, flash floods, and waterlogging at Jorabat and Khanapara also impact tourist movement.”

He informed that the matter of waterlogging at key entry points was recently discussed at the level of the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Assam, and that efforts were underway to resolve it.

“The state is on the path to recovery. With the case now solved and as we prepare for future events like Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, we expect to see a resurgence in tourist arrivals,” the minister said.

On the defamation issue surrounding the murder case, Lyngdoh clarified that the government would not pursue any legal action. “There is no need for defamation cases anymore. Sonam’s brother has already issued an unqualified public apology on national media. They have met our demand to withdraw their statements, and now that they have done so, the matter stands closed.”

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