Boko, July 19: The popular Umchak tourist destination along the Assam–Meghalaya border will remain closed to visitors every Sunday after residents of 10 surrounding villages decided to restrict tourist entry to preserve the area’s peace and ease overcrowding.

The decision was taken at a joint meeting of villagers from Malapara, Moipara, Machpara, Niyagalam, Khasi Salbari, Umshek, Thunaguri, Rongthali, Madan Killor and Rangseng, who have appealed to tourists to avoid visiting Umchak on Sundays.

Nestled amid rolling hills and the scenic Gizang River, Umchak has emerged as one of the fastest-growing tourist attractions in the Boko region, drawing hundreds of visitors every day.

According to Gizang Valley Dorbar president Gargish J. Marak, Sundays see an exceptionally large influx of tourists as schools, colleges and offices remain closed, resulting in overcrowding and traffic congestion.

Marak said the Christian Garo and Khasi communities living in the area attend church services on Sundays. Still, the heavy tourist rush and noise have increasingly disrupted the peaceful atmosphere during worship.

He added that the surge in vehicles has also heightened the risk of road accidents in the locality.

The villagers said the weekly closure is aimed at maintaining public safety, respecting the religious practices of local communities and ensuring that tourism remains sustainable. They urged visitors to cooperate with the decision and plan their trips to Umchak on other days of the week.

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