Shillong, Sep 8: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh today said tourist taxi associations from the state should take advantage of being locals by engaging with hotels and homestays to ferry tourists.
He maintained that the demand made by tourist taxi associations to restrict vehicles from outside the state could create problems for Meghalayans.
“Do not forget you (tourist taxis) have an advantage of being a local. What is your problem in connecting with resorts, homestays and hotels? Partner with them to ferry guests from the airports and railway stations and also take them to tourist spots,” he said.
Lyngdoh said there is a shortage of vehicles to bring tourists to the State. “So this is the simplest solution I can offer them.”
He stressed that taxi associations of Meghalaya and Assam should have resolved their differences through dialogue rather than unilateral action, given that both operate in the same sector.
The All Khasi Meghalaya Tourist Taxi Association (AKMTTA) recently announced a ban on Assam tourist taxis entering Meghalaya. In response, the Tourist Transporters’ Association of Assam (TTAA) threatened similar restrictions on Meghalaya taxis in Assam.
Local tourist taxi drivers have been demanding that the state government ban tourist vehicles from other states from entering tourist spots.
Meanwhile, Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has written to Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, expressing concern over a recent press statement by the President of the Tourist Transporter Association of Assam.
HITO President Donbok Dkhar stated that the press release implies Meghalaya falls under Assam’s jurisdiction, contradicting the current regional governance structure.
Dkhar clarified that the AKMTTA decisions aim to regulate tourist activities, aligning with practices adopted by local councils (hima) and traditional village authorities (dorbar shnong) across Meghalaya.
He highlighted that even in Assam, tourists often require local transport to access prominent destinations like Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, due to restrictions on private vehicles and the need for specialized guidance.
Dkhar stated that the AKMTTA’s call is not intended to obstruct outside tourist taxis but rather to promote local transport, supporting the community’s economy.
“We believe every community has the right to determine its livelihood and make decisions in its best interest. We urge you to take action against those disrupting this harmonious approach to tourism,” Dkhar added.
