Overview

• On June 30, the East Khasi Hills administration issued an order requiring tourists to hire registered guides for any trekking or outdoor activity in the district.
• Violators of the rule may face financial penalties or be denied access to trails including popular sites like the double-decker living root bridge.
• Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M. Kurbah said the measure follows the April death of Hungarian trekker Puskás Zsolt and the May murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi.
• The administration plans to deploy additional certified guides and collaborate with local communities to ensure the directive’s effective implementation.
• Authorities aim to reassure visitors and protect the district’s tourism reputation by strengthening safety protocols across its remote hiking routes.