Sikkim, Dec 12: A ban on single-use plastic has been announced by the tourism board of Sikkim which includes packaged mineral water in an effort to save the environment.
In order to join the regional campaign of banning single-use plastic in the Himalayan region, the Sikkim government has decided to make this transition since the region is blessed with natural resources that provide fresh and high-quality drinking water.
It has been asked that airlines and other transportation service providers refrain from using plastic water bottles throughout the state, according to Marcus P Rai, Joint Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation department.
In order to offer environmentally friendly and organic alternatives to plastic, the state will expand its supply chain. His publication reported he was encouraging villagers to produce bamboo bottles and other biodegradable materials on a large scale.
In addition to the airlines, even the homestays have been subject to the ban. A total of 915 homestays are registered in Sikkim.
Rai said in the conversation that homestays are promoting themselves since they give an authentic glimpse into village life. In order not to dilute the authentic village experience, we suggest not going overboard on amenities in the name of guests’ facilities.
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As of January 1, 2022, packaged mineral water will also be banned in Sikkim, which is located in the Himalayas. The CM granted business establishments a three-month buffer time to deplete their existing minerals water stock.
Sikkim is a way ahead in reducing plastic pollution as in 1988 it became the first state to ban disposable plastic bags smaller than 50 microns. Styrofoam and thermocol disposable plates and flatware have been banned throughout the state since 2016.
They haven’t mentioned prohibiting plastic water bottles for the first time. In 2016, government buildings and events were no longer allowed to use them. Instead, filtered water dispensers and reusable bottles were promoted.
A plastic-free resolution was declared in Lachen in North Sikkim in 2012, and it was urged that visitors to the town dispose of their plastic bottles or use reusable bottles that were available in all establishments. Randomly inspecting each vehicle was (and still is) the only way to be sure no plastic bottles were brought into the town.
