In a proactive move to tackle cleanliness issues, the Uttarakhand Government has introduced a new rule requiring all vehicles entering the state to be equipped with garbage bags or dustbins. This initiative is aimed at maintaining the pristine environment of the Himalayan state and addressing the problem of illegal garbage dumping along popular tourist routes and destinations.
Importance of the New Regulation
During a recent meeting, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi emphasized the critical need for this regulation, directing officials to ensure its strict enforcement. The state transport department has been instructed to conduct regular inspections at all entry points to verify compliance with the new mandate. This measure is part of a broader effort to preserve Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, which is often marred by littering, especially along the Char Dham route and near popular tourist spots like Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Nainital.
Cooperation from Neighboring States
To support this initiative, the transport department has reached out to transport commissioners in neighboring states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, requesting their cooperation. The goal is to ensure that vehicles from these regions also adhere to the new rule. Vehicles failing to comply will face fines and withholding of trip cards, which are necessary for travel within Uttarakhand.
Trip Card Issuance and Compliance
As part of this strategy, trip cards will be issued both online and at entry points, but only to vehicles equipped with a dustbin or garbage bag. Vehicle owners must present valid documentation, including a registration certificate, fitness certificate, insurance paper, and pollution certificate, to receive a trip card. This process aims to discourage passengers from discarding waste on the roadside.
Addressing Persistent Garbage Issues
This new rule responds to persistent issues highlighted by various NGOs and social organizations, who have raised concerns about the growing garbage problem despite previous efforts. By holding tourists, tour operators, and drivers accountable for maintaining cleanliness, the Uttarakhand Government hopes to reduce litter and promote responsible tourism.
Collective Responsibility
Chief Secretary Raturi reiterated the collective responsibility of residents and visitors in preserving the state’s natural environment. “Uttarakhand is a tourist state. Maintaining the natural cleanliness of the state and protecting its environment is the collective responsibility of its residents as well as the lakhs of tourists and devotees who visit the state every year,” she stated.
Similar Initiatives in Other States
In a related development, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced plans to amend existing legislation to impose stricter penalties for illegal garbage dumping. Vehicles caught violating these rules will face severe consequences, including the revocation of permits for one year.
Explore Uttarakhand with Tusk Travel
For those planning to explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of India, Tusk Travel offers a range of comprehensive tour packages of Uttarakhand destinations:
- 3 Nights 4 Days Kainchi Dham Tour
- 4 Days Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie Tour
- 3 Nights 4 Days Auli Itinerary from Dehradun
- 3 Days Auli Itinerary from Haridwar
- 7 Nights 8 Days Uttarakhand Itinerary
- 7 Days Rishikesh Auli Chopta Itinerary from Dehradun
- 6 Nights Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie Auli Itinerary
- Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie Tour Itinerary from Delhi
- 7 Days Uttarakhand Wildlife Itinerary
- 3 Nights 4 Days Mussoorie Dhanaulti Tour Package
- 2 Nights 3 Days Kartikswami Temple Trekking Tour
- 2 Nights 3 Days Chakrata Tour Package from Delhi
- 2 Nights Rishikesh Rafting Camping Tour
With Tusk Travel, you can embark on a journey that is not only enriching but also responsible, ensuring that the natural beauty of destinations like Uttarakhand is preserved for generations to come.
FAQs
1. What is the new rule for vehicles entering Uttarakhand?
All vehicles entering Uttarakhand must be equipped with garbage bags or dustbins to help maintain cleanliness and prevent littering.
2. Why has this rule been implemented?
This rule has been introduced to tackle the issue of illegal garbage dumping and to preserve the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
3. How will compliance be ensured?
The state transport department will conduct regular inspections at all entry points to verify that vehicles comply with the new mandate.
4. What happens if a vehicle does not comply?
Vehicles that do not comply with the rule will face fines and the withholding of trip cards, which are required for travel within the state.
5. How can vehicle owners obtain a trip card?
Trip cards will be issued both online and at entry points to vehicles that have a dustbin or garbage bag installed and present valid documentation, including registration certificate, fitness certificate, insurance paper, and pollution certificate.
6. Are there similar initiatives in other states?
Yes, for example, Goa plans to amend its legislation to impose stricter penalties for illegal garbage dumping, including revoking vehicle permits for one year.
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