Indians' Litter Itch: Introduce Swacchta Squads In Most Vulnerable Tourist Spots And Then Increase Their Ambit

It is everyone's dream to see the Himalayas and the beautiful ecosystem that has flourished around them. While it was a dream for this writer to visit Parvati Valley, Zanskar and other nearby regions, the dream did come true, albeit not in the same picturesque manner as I imagined.

For the longest time, Bollywood movies have promoted the hills, forests and valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Due to increased affordability and an increase in per capita income, almost everyone with a decent income wants to get away on a weekend or holiday season.

Excessive tourism can cause littering and desecration in beautiful regions like the Himalayas, negatively impacting nature. The pictures attached below are from Himachal's Pravati Valley where tourism has increased over the years.

India's Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, has made remarkable progress in promoting cleanliness and hygiene across the nation.

Despite this, the mission's efforts are frequently thwarted by irresponsible tourists and local vendors who carelessly discard garbage in ecologically sensitive regions like the North East, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Western Ghats.

To effectively tackle this issue, introducing Swachh Bharat Squads can serve as an auxiliary mechanism to support the mission, coupled with stringent laws to penalise littering.

In many of India's breathtaking landscapes, the environmental impact of littering is severe. Trash discarded into valleys, rivers, and forests not only tarnishes the natural beauty but also poses a significant threat to wildlife and local ecosystems.

Stringent laws that penalise offenders can act as a powerful deterrent. These laws should include heavy fines, mandatory community service involving cleaning up litter, and even jail time for repeat offenders. The goal is to instil a sense of responsibility and encourage better habits regarding waste disposal and segregation.

To effectively monitor and manage cleanliness in peak tourist areas, local governments can appoint civilian squads dedicated to the Swachh Bharat Mission. These squads would have the authority to monitor tourist activity, document offences, and educate the public.

By keeping a vigilant eye on tourists and vendors, these squads can ensure that littering is minimised. Filming offenders provides evidence for levying fines and other penalties while engaging with tourists and locals can foster a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining cleanliness.

The implementation of Swachh Bharat Squads can be further enhanced by integrating technology such as mobile apps and drones, allowing for efficient coverage of larger areas and real-time data collection on littering activities. This approach can significantly improve the effectiveness of monitoring efforts and ensure prompt action against offenders.

Several countries have successfully implemented initiatives to keep tourist places clean, offering valuable lessons for India.

Japan, for instance, is renowned for its cleanliness, which is enforced through strict laws and a strong cultural emphasis on cleanliness. Public littering in Japan is met with social disapproval, and residents actively participate in cleaning their neighbourhoods.

Similarly, Singapore enforces heavy fines for littering, complemented by extensive awareness campaigns and community involvement. Switzerland promotes recycling and proper waste disposal through efficient systems and public education, with littering being socially frowned upon and penalised.

These global examples highlight the importance of stringent laws, cultural attitudes, and community involvement in maintaining cleanliness. Adopting similar measures can greatly benefit India's cleanliness mission.

Coorg in Karnataka, often referred to as the Scotland of India, sets a commendable example in tackling littering issues.

Local authorities in Coorg have been proactively confronting tourists who litter the streets, sometimes even making offenders return and pick up their discarded trash.

This vigilant approach has not only kept the region cleaner but also heightened awareness among tourists about the importance of respecting the environment.

The success of Swachh Bharat Squads and stringent laws depends on cultivating a culture of cleanliness. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and community-led initiatives can play a crucial role in changing attitudes towards littering and waste management. By fostering a national culture of cleanliness and responsibility, India can ensure that its tourist destinations remain pristine for future generations.

India's rich natural heritage deserves protection from the adverse effects of littering. Implementing Swachh Bharat Squads, enforcing stringent laws, and learning from global best practices will help safeguard the environment.

India needs to have Swacchta Squads in hills and forest areas among other tourist destinations where empowered or empanelled civilian volunteer groups can initiate action against the ones littering their hometown.

"They make money because of tourists, and it is their responsibility to clean it" is an excuse one gets to hear very often from lazy tourists unwilling to use dustbins.

It is time to name, shame and call out people still in denial and force them to rethink. Only danda can really help keep our country clean. Of course, imposing a total ban on anything non-biodegradable, especially plastics would be a great first step alongside the aforementioned ideas.