Sohra, August 3: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Shri Mark A. Challam, MCS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning cooking and open fires at roadsides and other public places within the jurisdiction of Sohra Civil Sub-Division.
The order comes amid concerns over tourists and visitors cooking food along public roadsides, lay-bys, viewpoints, open spaces and other undesignated locations, particularly along the Shillong–Sohra–Shella Road and other roads in the area. According to the order, such activities have led to indiscriminate dumping of food waste, plastic, bottles, disposable plates, packaging materials and other refuse, causing environmental degradation, public nuisance and obstruction to traffic, besides affecting the natural beauty of the area.
Under the order, no person or group will be permitted to cook, prepare food, light fires or use LPG cylinders, kerosene stoves, charcoal stoves, firewood, barbecue grills or other cooking appliances on roadsides, road shoulders, parking areas, lay-bys, viewpoints, open spaces, forest areas or other public places within Sohra Civil Sub-Division. The prohibition applies to the Shillong–Sohra–Shella Road and all other public roads and public places under the subdivision.
However, the order exempts designated picnic sites and locations specifically notified or approved by the competent authority or concerned Dorbar Shnong, where cooking is expressly permitted and adequate waste disposal and fire safety arrangements are available.
The order also prohibits people from littering, dumping or leaving behind food waste, plastic, bottles, disposable utensils, packaging materials or other refuse in public places. Visitors and others generating waste have been directed to remove it and dispose of it only at authorised waste collection points or receptacles.
The order cited the risk of accidental fires and wildfires from the use of LPG cylinders, stoves, firewood and open flames without adequate safety measures, warning that such practices could endanger forests, vegetation, public property, human life and the environment.
Police stations, Executive Magistrates, Forest, Tourism and Public Works Department officials, local authorities and concerned Dorbar Shnongs have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order. Any person violating the order may face prosecution under relevant laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the BNSS, applicable environmental laws and other laws in force.
The order, issued on August 3, 2026, has come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.
