Gangtok: All tourist vehicles entering the picturesque northeastern Himalayan state of Sikkim will henceforth have to mandatorily carry a large garbage bag, reported PTI.
According to the order issued by Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, the decision has been taken to ensure community participation towards achieving the goal of environmental sustainability.
Tour operators, travel agencies and vehicle drivers have been entrusted with the responsibility of informing travellers about the use of garbage bags for waste disposal once they enter Sikkim.
Authorities will carry out random checks of tourist vehicles to ensure compliance of the new rule. Any vehicle found violating the order will be penalised, the order stated.
Government agencies are conducting awareness campaigns on cleanliness to educate tourists about waste management and environmental sustainability.
More than 20 lakh tourists visit Sikkim every year. Bordered by Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet, Sikkim is India’s least populated Indian state with just over 6 lakh residents.
