Guwahati: The Dima Hasao district administration has prohibited cooking and food preparation along roadsides, viewpoints, lay-bys, open spaces and other public places across the district, citing environmental, safety and fire-related concerns.
The order was issued by Dima Hasao District Magistrate and District Road Safety Committee chairperson Gayatri Devdas Hailing under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Under the order, the use of LPG cylinders, kerosene or coal stoves, firewood, barbecue grills and other cooking equipment for preparing or heating food has been prohibited at the specified locations.
The restrictions will specifically cover the Mandardisa-Harangajao stretch of National Highway 27, part of the East-West Corridor, and the Mahur-Hangkram stretch of National Highway 137. The ban will also extend to other public roads and locations across Dima Hasao.
According to the district administration, roadside cooking by tourists and visitors has contributed to increasing amounts of litter, including food waste, plastic bottles, disposable plates and packaging materials.
Officials said the practice is polluting public spaces, affecting the surrounding environment and creating inconvenience for commuters by obstructing vehicular movement.
The administration also raised concerns over food waste attracting animals to roads, potentially increasing risks for motorists and pedestrians. It said the accumulation of waste was also affecting the natural beauty and fragile environment of Dima Hasao.
The order further prohibits indiscriminate dumping of waste along roads and in other public places. Tourists and visitors have been instructed to carry their waste and dispose of it only at designated dustbins or authorised collection points.
Consumption of alcohol in public places has also been prohibited under the order.
However, cooking will be allowed at designated picnic spots and other locations approved by the competent authorities or the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, provided adequate waste-management and fire-safety measures are in place.
Executive magistrates, police, transport, forest, tourism, Public Works, excise officials and other concerned local authorities have been directed to monitor compliance and enforce the restrictions.
The district administration has warned that those violating the order could face legal action under the applicable laws.
The order has taken immediate effect and will remain in force until further directions.