In a bid to safeguard its eco-sensitive tourist destinations from littering and overcrowding, the Meghalaya government has introduced the concept of a ‘green deposit’, promoting responsible tourism and sustainable practices.
Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, CVD Diengdoh, said the department is actively engaging with local communities, urging them to adhere to the carrying capacity of tourist spots, most of which are managed by village councils.
Under the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme, grants of up to Rs 25 lakh are being provided to enable local societies to implement infrastructure and monitoring systems based on the carrying capacity of their sites.
As part of the new green deposit initiative, tourists entering eco-sensitive areas while carrying plastic bottles will be charged a refundable deposit. The amount will be returned when the tourists exit and produce the plastic bottles, thus ensuring waste does not accumulate in fragile environments.
Diengdoh noted that some tourist sites have already begun implementing this system. He emphasised the need for a strong check-and-balance mechanism to regulate the number of tourists and prevent overuse of natural spaces.
The Tourism Department is also encouraging village authorities and local societies to define and declare the carrying capacities of their tourist sites. This will help the government offer incentives for sustainable practices.
In addition, the official highlighted the importance of using the Meghalaya Tourism App, an integrated platform for all stakeholders. Hotel, guesthouse and homestay owners are encouraged to use the app for tourist check-ins and check-outs. The app also sends a digital copy of each tourist’s information to local police stations, aiding in swift response during emergencies.
“The app can also be used to generate entry tickets for various tourist sites across the state,” Diengdoh added.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government is targeting 18 lakh tourists this year, building on the success of last year’s 16 lakh visitors.
According to Diengdoh, the state’s improved connectivity has contributed to the increase in tourist footfall. However, problems elsewhere, such as last month’s terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir and the subsequent conflict with Pakistan that took in J&K as well as closing airports across northern and western India, led to more tourists choosing Meghalaya.
Visitors are not just venturing to the ever-popular Sohra anymore but also trying out Mawphanlur and other locations in Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills. The government is working to create new tourist attractions to promote visits to other areas, Diengdoh said.
Several projects are underway to boost tourism infrastructure, including the Shillong Ropeway project that will connect Shillong to the Shillong Peak, eco-tourism projects and integrated hospitality and convention centres. The government is also planning a ‘Rain Museum’ in Mawsynram and a glass skywalk at Mawkdok, the Chief Minister said at a programme to kickstart construction of a tribal cultural centre in Mawkhar here.
