Tourists can now visit Weisawdong Waterfall and Riat Arliang in East Khasi Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 5, 2025

In a major boost to Meghalaya’s tourism sector, tourists can now visit Weisawdong Waterfall and Riat Arliang in East Khasi Hills District after the competent authority withdrew the prohibitory order under Section 163 BNSS.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by M.A. Challam, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, i/c Sohra Civil Sub-Division, in the presence of P.M. Syiem, MPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sohra, and headmen of Mawphu, Umblai, Laitduh, and Laitlyndop villages. The meeting was convened to discuss reopening Weisawdong Falls following a petition by the Dorbar Shriong Laitduh (No. Nil, dated 20 August 2025) and the Demarcation Order issued by the Syiem of Hima Sohra (No. SS/A-III/Adong Synshar/2025/263, dated 9 August 2025).

Challam explained that the Demarcation Order was issued following directions from the Tribunal constituted by the KHADC Executive Committee, in line with the 2024 High Court of Meghalaya ruling. He said the Syiem’s order should be considered an extension of the Court’s directive.

According to the order, Weisawdong Falls partially falls under the jurisdiction of Laitduh Village, which may now resume tourist-related operations at the site. Representatives of Umbisi and Mawphu villages expressed dissatisfaction with the demarcation outcome and indicated their intention to appeal, and were advised to approach a competent court.

Challam informed that they will abide by any fresh order that may be issued by the appropriate authority.

All stakeholders advised to respect and uphold the terms of the existing Demarcation Order until such time that a new order may supersede it. Laitduh Village instructed to ensure that no excesses are committed in the course of reopening and operating tourism activities.

The Headmen of Umblai and Mawphu were asked to explain these decisions to their residents and ensure compliance. The Headmen of Umblai and Mawphu were specifically cautioned to prevent any recurrence of past incidents where large groups, under the influence of village authorities, sought to go beyond the scope of the Order and should such incidents occur, the respective Headmen may be held accountable.

The meeting decided that strict legal action will be taken against any person attempting to take the law into their own hands in order to enforce their opinion on the matter.

As a gesture of goodwill and in the interest of peace and harmony, it was agreed that while Laitduh Village may operate tourism activities at Weisawdong Falls, the parking lot at Riat Arliang under Umblai Village may be used by tourists for vehicle parking.