The growing number of tourists at hill stations in India and the waste they leave behind has once again become a topic of discussion on social media. A recent viral post has raised serious questions on the environment and responsible tourism across the country, especially when it was about the plastic waste and gutkha stains spread across the high hills of India.
The debate started when a user on Reddit shared pictures of a hill station above 9,000 feet, with gutkha packets, gutkha stains and empty plastic bottles scattered across the snow-clad terrain. The pictures went viral on social media and were heavily criticised by people. The post also stated that there were only 100 tourists at the location, yet the place was filled with waste. The caption of the post read, “9,000 feet above sea level, barely 100 tourists, yet there is gutkha and garbage in the snow. Who is stopping Indian tourists from picking up their own garbage?”
Growing outrage on social media
As soon as the post went viral, people on social media expressed their outrage over the blatant disregard for the environment and irresponsible behaviour. One user wrote, “It is disappointing to see such disregard for nature. People need to understand their impact on these beautiful places.” At the same time, some other users made even more scathing comments about it. One said, “The funny thing is that these same people will behave the same way abroad, because they know they will have to face consequences for such actions.” Some users also said that the lack of civic sense does not force people to think about the consequences of their actions. One user commented, “Civic sense is zero and if you question this behaviour, you are the same tough guy who is talking nonsense and you need to keep quiet.”
Need for responsible tourism
This matter now gives rise to a bigger question whether there is a need for responsible tourism among Indian tourist destinations and their tourists? What steps are being taken for environmental protection and cleanliness? Is it not necessary to explain to every tourist that if they want to enjoy these hill stations, they should take care of cleanliness instead of littering?
Some also suggested that strict punishment and shaming measures should be taken against those littering at these places. One user said, “There should be a camera there and whoever is caught littering or spitting gutkha should be shown in a big digital banner as a shame. Only then will these people understand.”
Development of civic sense is necessary in India
Another important issue that arises in this debate is the lack of civic sense. Why is this understanding and awareness not being created towards environmental protection and cleanliness? Is there no need to run any concrete education or campaign in this direction in India? This question is also related to the development of the country, because a country can progress only when its citizens have understanding and responsibility towards such issues.
This viral post has once again highlighted the issue of increasing garbage and gutkha stains on Indian hill stations. This incident reminds us that it is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to keeping the environment safe. If we succeed in promoting responsible tourism, we can preserve these beautiful hill areas for future generations.
