SHILLONG: In a bid to preserve its pristine environment, Khlieh A Sem village in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district has imposed a ban on tourist entry to its popular spots on Sundays.
The decision was taken by the village dorbar (council) to ensure that the village, located in the Mawkynrew constituency, remains clean and free from pollution caused by plastic waste owing to the growing influx of visitors.
Known for its breathtaking waterfalls – Kshaid Pdem, Kshaid Sohryngkiah, and Kshaid Blew Blew – Khlieh A Sem has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination since 2022.
Despite its growing popularity, the village remains steadfast in preserving its clean environment and natural charm.
Village headman Shyrman Nongrum clarified that the decision to restrict tourist access on Sundays is because the villagers remain busy in Church services, making it difficult to monitor and manage waste disposal.
“The decision is not intended to discourage tourism but to ensure that the village remains clean and cluster-free. We warmly welcome tourists to visit our village and experience its natural beauty. But without proper supervision, it becomes difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the tourist spots,” Nongrum said.
The village has also taken steps to maintain local infrastructure. He said, “We are making efforts to maintain the road and footpaths. Visitors are requested to adhere to regulations set by the village dorbar such as using designated roads and respecting posted guidelines.”
The Dorbar has appealed to the state government for assistance in developing infrastructure to promote tourism in the village.
“By implementing responsible tourism practices, we hope to safeguard our heritage for future generations,” a member of the Dorbar said.
“We are committed to preserving the environment and cleanliness of the village. We have put up a notice board with the do’s and don’ts that visitors need to follow,” he added.
