Leading By Example: Sikkim Govt. Bans Use Of Water Bottles In Govt. Programmes

Sikkim, the tiny north east state is at the forefront again in pro-environmental policies. Sikkim has banned plastic and disposable products such as bottles and paper plates among other materials for the government meetings. They have advised to use big water dispensers or reusable bottles instead. Sikkim was the first to ban plastic bags and now this step.

[Products banned – The use and sale of disposable items such as cups, plates, spoons, containers, etc made from foam ]

Sikkim the tiny state in the north east of India has been a model state in protecting environment without hampering development. Sikkim’s latest decision falls in line with the relatively high standards which Sikkim sets in policy making vis-a-vis environment. The present directions given by the government is largely due to the following

1. The huge quantities of municipal waste consisting of non-biodegradable products occupy lots of landfill space.
2. The huge environmental cost of polystyrene foam.

What did they say?

Democratic Front leader Prem Das Rai speaking to PTI told “We were the first to ban the use of plastic bags. This is in tune with the same ideology that we have been following on protecting the environment. In the mountains tourists end up dumping the plastic waste which is hazardous so we took this step”.

The Logical Indian appreciates the government of Sikkim for this step and leading by examples. Though it is a small initiative, many such small steps could lead to a big change in safeguarding the environment. We hope other governments would also take such small initiatives at the government level and set an good example to the people to follow