Tourists May Be Required to Carry Garbage Bags to Keep Himachal Clean
In Short:
- Tourists might need to carry garbage bags for their waste
- Inspired by practices in Goa and Sikkim
- New guidelines to improve waste management in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has suggested that tourists entering the state should carry garbage bags to manage their waste. This recommendation is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable tourism and better waste management practices in the region.
The High Court's directive was issued by Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja during a session focused on improving waste management in Himachal Pradesh. They urged the State government to look at successful measures from tourism-heavy states like Goa and Sikkim.
Key Directives from the Court:
- Tourist Responsibility: Similar to Sikkim, all tourist vehicles in Himachal may soon need to have large garbage bags. Tour operators, travel agencies, and drivers will be responsible for informing tourists about using these bags for waste collection and disposal.
- Solid Waste Management Charges: The Court has previously recommended that tourists be charged for solid waste management. This is part of a series of measures to ensure that waste generated by tourists is effectively managed.
- Green Tax Audit: The Court noted that a green tax is collected in districts like Kullu, Manali, Sirsu, and Koksar. However, it found no audit to track the usage of these funds. The authorities have been asked to provide an affidavit on how this tax money is being spent.
- Municipal Waste Management Corporation: The State has been advised to set up a Municipal Waste Management Corporation, similar to Goa's model, to enhance the efficiency of waste management.
- Plastic Buyback Policy: The Court found the state's plastic buyback policy nearly non-functional. It directed the policy to operate fully, seven days a week, to encourage waste collection, especially by rag pickers.
- Special Task Forces: The Court ordered the formation of Special Task Forces (STFs) to clean hillsides, streams, and other critical areas. These STFs will include members from municipal corporations, legal authorities, the Tourism Development Corporation, the Forest Department, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Trekking Routes Management: The Court suggested creating sustainable ecosystems along trekking routes by setting up checkpoints to monitor the waste carried by tourists.
- Tourist Facilities: Recommendations include establishing tourist information centers, eco-friendly toilets, and standard operating procedures for adventure companies and local guides to ensure proper waste disposal.
- Sewage Management: During a June 2024 hearing, it was reported that sewage was being discharged into the river Chandrabhaga. The Court ordered an immediate stop to untreated discharge, with a compliance report due by the next hearing.
- Training Programs: The government has been directed to organize training for panchayats and urban local bodies on waste segregation and material recovery, involving NGOs like Healing Himalayas and Waste Warriors.