Heading to Sikkim by car? Avoid fines by packing this must-have item: Details

If you are planning a trip to Sikkim, you now need to add a key item to avoid penalties in the region. The Sikkim government has introduced a new mandate requiring all tourist vehicles entering the state to carry large garbage bags. This initiative, announced by the state's Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, aims to enhance environmental sustainability across Sikkim’s popular tourist destinations.
Tour operators, travel agencies, and vehicle drivers are now responsible for informing tourists about the mandatory use of garbage bags for waste collection and disposal. Despite being the least populous and the second smallest state in India, Sikkim's natural beauty and commitment to sustainability make it a standout destination.
To ensure compliance, officials will conduct random checks on tourist vehicles. Any vehicle found not adhering to this rule will face fines as per government regulations. Additionally, the government plans to organize awareness campaigns and cleanliness drives to educate tourists on proper garbage management and the significance of environmental sustainability.

"In order to promote environmental sustainability in all tourist destinations and to ensure community participation towards achieving this goal, the Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation hereby makes it mandatory for all tourist vehicles entering the State to carry large garbage bags in their respective vehicles. It shall be the responsibility of concerned tour operators, travel agencies, and vehicle drivers to disseminate the information about the use of garbage bags for waste collection and disposal," stated the department in a notification.
"Sikkim's commitment to preserving its natural beauty is reflected in this new initiative. We aim to educate tourists about the importance of managing waste responsibly through ongoing campaigns and clean-up events," the department added. (Inputs from ANI.)