The Dorbar of Syiem of Hima Sohra today urged the East Khasi Hills district administration to limit the entry of tourists.
Sohra is the most popular and sought after tourist destination in the State and traditional heads fear that if the flow of tourists is not regulated then there may be a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Representatives of the dorbar met Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo on the matter. “We want cooperation (from the district administration) so that we can set up a check gate to screen the tourists and they have to register and bring along with them a Covid – 19 negative reports,” B. V. Rymmai, secretary of the dorbar said.
He said that if the tourists are registered, it will be known for how many days they will be staying and also if they are tested or not.
Further the dorbar also warned tourists of haphazard disposal of trash. “We are saddened that although Sohra is well known for its natural beauty, it also had a bad reputation for being dirty,” he added.
Rymmai said that the people of Sohra are worried that as soon as the tourism sector is reopened many tourists will flock the area adding, that the pandemic is not over yet and the government is already saying to be prepared for the third wave. He said that in this situation the people of Sohra will be in danger.
The Secretary of Syiem of Hima Sohra said that the government should empower the traditional heads to regulate the tourists and wants their cooperation in this matter.
“We will equally share responsibility, not only for economic development but also health wise,” he said.
