Shimla: In a strong move ahead of the tourist season, the Himachal Pradesh government has made it mandatory for all commercial vehicles entering the state—including tourist buses and taxis—to carry waste bags or bins to manage passenger litter.
The new directive aims to tackle the growing menace of garbage being thrown out on roads and in pristine tourist spots during peak tourist inflow.
All entry points into the state have been directed to begin inspecting incoming commercial vehicles to ensure compliance.
If any vehicle is found without proper waste disposal arrangements, it could face a fine of up to Rs 10,000 under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act.
Private vehicle owners have been exempted from this rule, but the government has advised them to responsibly dispose of their waste in bins placed at bus stops, bus stands, and other tourist locations across the state.
The message from the government is clear: if you’re coming to Himachal, come clean or don’t come at all. While the intention behind the rule is commendable—reducing litter during the busy tourist months—the question remains: how effectively will it be enforced?
Will there be sufficient personnel at checkpoints to carry out inspections? And does exempting private vehicles send a mixed signal when they also contribute to waste?
The policy is a step in the right direction, but its success will depend on ground-level execution—and whether tourists and transporters are willing to take responsibility for keeping the hills clean.
Would you carry a waste bag in your vehicle while travelling in the hills?
