Shillong, May 1: The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills has issued advisories for tourism operators and visitors in the interest of safety.
The twin advisories come two days after a teenage tourist from Uttar Pradesh drowned in a river in the Sohra area. The prevailing wet weather and upcoming monsoon also lead to changeable conditions in rivers, waterfalls, etc, which can prove hazardous to human life.
The DC made it clear that a map of the tourist spot should be on display for visitors, that entry/exit routes be clearly indicated, that tourist guides and other workers be trained in basic life saving skills, ordered that safety audits be regularly conducted and boats should be regularly inspected, carry lifejackets and not be overloaded. Lifeguards should be on duty at swimming spots and only those with experience should be allowed to hire boats.
Visitors themselves were also issued with an advisory, which told them to check weather updates, inform friends/family of their whereabouts, be very careful in or near water bodies, wear lifevests and shoes with good grip, do not drink alcohol while fishing, etc.
