Shillong, May 2: Authorities in East Khasi Hills district have released a comprehensive safety advisory for visitors to popular tourist destinations, underlining the need for stricter preventive measures as tourist numbers increase and seasonal hazards intensify.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Shillong, sets out mandatory guidelines aimed at strengthening on-ground safety infrastructure and minimising avoidable accidents. Officials have emphasised that all tourist sites must ensure the presence of clearly marked entry and exit points, visible maps, and adequately trained personnel. Staff and guides, the advisory notes, should possess basic life-saving skills to respond effectively in emergencies.
Structural integrity has been identified as a critical concern, with authorities mandating regular inspections of facilities such as railings, bridges, and recreational equipment. Immediate repairs have been made compulsory in case of any damage, with officials warning that negligence in this regard could pose serious risks to visitors.
Special focus has been placed on water-based tourism, a key attraction in the region. The advisory stipulates that boats must not be overloaded and should undergo visual inspection before each use, including checks of safety equipment and engines. The use of life jackets has been made mandatory, while only trained and experienced operators are permitted to handle boats. Tourist locations offering swimming facilities are also required to deploy lifeguards.
Visitors have been advised to remain vigilant about weather conditions, particularly by following updates from the India Meteorological Department. Authorities have highlighted the unpredictable nature of riverside and waterfall environments, especially during the monsoon season, where sudden changes in water levels and slippery terrain can create hazardous conditions.
The advisory further urges tourists to avoid high-risk areas such as deep waters, unstable rocks, swampy zones, and waterfalls. Practical precautions, including wearing non-slip footwear, carrying first-aid kits, and informing family members about travel plans, have also been recommended. Consumption of alcohol during outdoor activities has been strongly discouraged.
Emergency preparedness remains a central component of the directive. Tourist sites are required to maintain essential equipment such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting, while prominently displaying emergency contact numbers, including 112 and 108.
Officials have reiterated that compliance with these measures is essential rather than optional, stressing that ensuring visitor safety is a shared responsibility. With peak travel periods approaching, the administration is focused on enforcing these guidelines to prevent incidents and maintain safe tourism practices across the district.
