INTRODUCTION:

The Environment in encompasses all the area where the Plants, Flora and Fauna, Animals and Humans Beings Live and Breathe-all Biotic and A-Biotic things occurring naturally which is not artificial. So, the term is often applied to the Earth. This is a Natural World comprises of Land, Air and Water, the interaction of all living species, climate, weather, and natural resources that effect human survival and economic activities. The atmosphere of the Earth serves as a key factor in sustaining the eco-system.

The Dry Air consists of 78% of Nitrogen, 21% of Oxygen, 1 % of Argon and other inert gases and Carbon dioxide. The greenhouse gases consist of Carbon dioxide, Methane, Nitrous oxide, and Ozone. It may also include chemical compounds industrial pollutants such as chlorine, Fluorine, Mercury, Sulfur and Sulfur dioxide.

 

When we talked about pollution on Earth, we referred to the contamination that is happening of the natural resources by various pollutants.  All this is mainly caused by human activities which harm the environment in many ways. Therefore, an urgent need had arisen to tackle this issue. We might not be able to see the pollutants which are present in the air but still they are very much there.

The way in which waste is dumped on the land eventually end up turning into toxics. The harmful effects of pollution are to prevent and reduce the pollution. All types of pollution are un-doubtable Hazardous and come with great consequences. Everyone must take step to curb the pollution from individual to the industries to the government. To make the quality of Human Life better.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja has suggested the state government make it mandatory for tourists to carry a garbage bag to clean up any waste they may generate during their visit.

 

The court’s order came because of various petitions pending regarding environmental issues in Himachal Pradesh. Further, the court had also suggested the state government consider imposing solid waste management charges on tourists. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has suggested that the state government should make it mandatory for the tourist to carry a Garbage Bag to manage the waste they generate during their visit. The bench noted that in Sikkim, all tourist vehicles must carry large Garbage bag which tour operators, travel agencies and vehicle drivers and who are responsible for informing tourist about it used for waste collection and disposal this measure aims to ensure community participation in maintaining sustainability at tourist destination.

 

In order to promote sustainable tourism, The High Court has asked the state government to implement the various directives which it has issued concerning the Waste Management. The cue has been taken from the states of Goa and Sikkim. These are as follows:

 

• Conduct audits of the waste being carried by trekkers and collect user fees that contribute to waste management and environmental conservation efforts.
•  Establish small dry waste storage facilities at the checkpoints. These units will serve as temporary storage for collected waste until it can be transported to central waste management facilities.
• Formulate committees comprising representatives from the concerned panchayat, Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), Ecotourism Society, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). These committees will be responsible for overseeing waste management, restoration work, and rescue operations.
• Ensure that user fees collected at checkpoints are transparently managed and utilized for waste management and environmental conservation activities.

The Court has directed the H.P Government to conduct training program for Panchayat and Urban Local bodies on waste segregation and material recovery.

A green tax is already being levied on tourists like in Kullu, Manali, Sirsu, and Koksar. When the Court found that no audit has been done to monitor whether the tax so collected was being used effectively for waste management. Then Court, asked the concerned authorities to file an affidavit on how the collected green tax was being spent. Green tax of Rs. 20 has increased to Rs. 50 in entering Himachal Pradesh. For Non H.P registration number the amount Green Tax has increased to Rs. 100 to Rs.200.

The Court also suggested setting up a Municipal Waste Management Corporation, like the model in Goa, to enhance waste management efficiency.

The Court noted that the plastic buyback policy was virtually non-functional. The State was directed to make the plastic buyback policy. It would be fully functional for seven days a week so that the citizens, especially rag pickers, have an incentive to collect waste lying in streets, jungles and streams etc. In many cases, such activities could become a source of livelihood, the Court added.

Special Task Forces (STFs) to be set up to clean hillsides, streams, and other hotspots. The STF will include members from various municipal corporations, State and District Legal Services Authorities, the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), the Forest Department, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

 

Along the trekking routes setup checking points for assessing the plastic/glass waste etc. being taken by the tourists via trek routes to the meadows.

 

 

Setup tourist information centers, eco-friendly toilets, draw out standard operating procedures (SOPs) for adventure companies, local guides and camp owners so as to ensure proper waste disposal facilities and implementation of guidelines to maintain cleanliness and sustainability.

CONCLUSION:

It is important that proper place should be identified to dispose of the waste and dustbins should be installed at the prime locations. In order to address the challenges faced by specific regions hot-spots need to be identified and implemented. The waste management program to be initiated by the state government from the revenue earned. Imposition of levying of taxes cannot form the best remedy but to utilize the taxes collected in the most effective and efficient way will come out as the best remedy.

 

– MAMTA SINGH SHUKLA

(ADVOCATE DELHI HIGH COURT)

MOBILE – 9560044035

Email Id: adv.mamtasinghshukla@gmail.com