Uttarakhand Government just took a revolutionary step towards environmental protection by declaring that all vehicles entering the state must have dustbins and garbage bags installed to preserve cleanliness. Uttarakhand’s new policy decision has been getting various appreciations and seen as a milestone in achieving sustainable tourism. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding the state’s pristine surroundings. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi stated that authorities will verify compliance with this regulation before issuing trip cards to vehicles. The State Transport Department has informed transport commissioners from neighboring states about this requirement, specifically for vehicles heading to Uttarakhand during the Chardham Yatra. Vehicles lacking the necessary waste disposal facilities will face penalties.
Tour operators, travel agencies, and the public are being educated about this guideline, with officials conducting inspections to ensure adherence to the rule. Raturi stressed the shared responsibility of residents and tourists in upholding Uttarakhand’s natural cleanliness, underscoring the state’s popularity as a weekend retreat. In a similar vein, Sikkim has recently introduced a mandate for tourist vehicles to carry large garbage bags in support of environmental sustainability. Failure to comply will result in fines, as per Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
Way Forward
To support this initiative, the transportation department has contacted transportation commissioners in nearby states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to seek their collaboration. The goal is to ensure that vehicles from these areas also follow the new regulations. Non-compliance will lead to fines and the confiscation of trip permits necessary for intra-state travel. The state’s plan involves issuing trip permits online or at entry points, but only to vehicles equipped with a trash can or garbage bag. Vehicle owners must provide valid documentation like registration, fitness, insurance, and pollution certificates prior to getting a trip permit. This procedure is intended to discourage passengers from littering on roadsides.
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This fresh regulation tackles a longstanding issue highlighted by various NGOs and social groups, expressing concerns about the growing garbage problem despite previous initiatives. By holding tourists, tour operators, and drivers responsible for maintaining cleanliness, the Uttarakhand Government aims to decrease litter and promote responsible tourism. In a similar scenario, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of Goa has announced intentions to modify current laws to enforce harsher penalties for illegal waste disposal. Vehicles caught breaking these rules will face serious consequences, including permit revocation for a year.
Justwravel’s Commitment to Sustainable Travel: Supporting Uttarakhand’s New Policy
Being dedicated to Uttarakhand for over 7 years, Justwravel has consistently promoted travel in a way that benefits both locals and the environment. The campaign #Keepthetrailsalive by Justwravel highlighted the importance of sustainability. Justwravel aims to pass on the experiences gained from the mountains to future generations. Rohan Verma, CEO of Justwravel, commented on the recent news update: “As a responsible social travel community, we fully support the decision of the Uttarakhand government. We also promise that our upcoming trips will adhere to the newly formed policies, and we pledge to be travelers who never litter the mountains.”
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