As Himachal Pradesh opens for tourism, littering visitors, flouting safety rules worries locals
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| As Himachal Pradesh opens for tourism, littering visitors, flouting safety rules worries locals |
Now that the Himachal Pradesh government has removed COVID-19 restrictions on the entry of tourists from other states, hundreds of people have thronged the state ever since, and more are expected to visit in the coming days. Tourists in huge numbers have already visited famous hill stations as well as pilgrimage sites like Chintpurni, Jwala Devi, etc.
According to the reports, there are a few things about tourist conduct that have become a cause of worry among the natives of Himachal Pradesh. Lately, tourists who have visited Himachal have left behind lots of garbage such as empty liquor bottles, mineral water bottles, chocolate foils, plastic waste, and disposable plates in the rivulets, forests, highways, and villages. The Kangra district of the state, known for its resplendent natural beauty, has been especially spoiled by the junk littered by the tourists, although the sale and use of polythene bags in the state are completely prohibited.
A senior forest officer told a news website that taking care of the environment in Himachal Pradesh is not possible without complete cooperation from the visitors. The officer added that tourists lack civic sense these days, as evidenced by the plastic items thrown by them in the forests and water bodies.
On the other hand, reportedly, environmentalists say that the officials are lackadaisical when it comes to conservation of the area. A major portion of the region has been categorized under the reserved forest category, and the rest of it is under the charge of the panchayats and temple trusts.
Meanwhile, residents of Manali and Kasol have been worried as several tourists have been flouting COVID-19 safety norms by roaming with wearing masks or face shields. One of the local shopkeepers told the news website that the situation may go out of control due to the absence of strict control and watch by the government authorities.
News has it that the people working in the tourism sector want the government to re-impose the requirement of a COVID-19 negative report to enter the state. The police should also levy fine on violators of COVID-19 rules at public places.
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