During a recent trip to a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional cleanliness standards, a stark contrast to the often chaotic and littered conditions in Goa. This experience highlighted the significant efforts Himachal Pradesh has made in managing waste and preserving the environment.
In the commercial areas, I noticed a remarkable absence of plastics, including bags and plastic cutlery, and very little plastic litter. Himachal Pradesh was the first state in Southeast Asia to ban colored polythene recycled bags in 1995 and also the first state in India to ban plastic and polythene carry bags in 2009. Furthermore, in 2011, the state banned plastic cutlery.
The government of Goa, particularly the relevant ministers, should take note of Himachal Pradesh's example and develop a strong commitment to addressing garbage and plastic pollution. If a larger state with higher pollution levels can successfully tackle this issue, then Goa certainly can too.
