Shimla, April 30,
Taking another step towards environmental conservation, the Himachal Pradesh government has made it mandatory for all public transport vehicles in the tourism sector to install dustbins, effective April 29, 2025. This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to tackle the persistent issue of littering, especially during the peak tourist season when the inflow of visitors leads to a sharp rise in plastic and other non-biodegradable waste across roadsides, forests, and towns.
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The directive initially covers commercial vehicles such as taxis, tempo travelers, private and state-run buses that cater to tourists. These vehicles are now required to have functional garbage bins fixed inside to ensure passengers do not throw waste out of the windows or on the floor. The order has been issued under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage Control Act, 1995, which empowers the authorities to take strict action against violators, including imposing fines.
The enforcement of this regulation lies with a multi-agency framework. District-level administrative officers such as Sub Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and Block Development Officers have been authorized to monitor compliance. Additionally, officials from the Police Department, Forest Department, and Civil Supplies Department will also play a key role in enforcement. Any commercial transport operator failing to install a bin can be fined up to ₹10,000, while passengers found littering may be penalized with a fine of ₹1,500. Furthermore, in case of non-compliance captured through camera surveillance, the vehicle owner will be identified and fined accordingly.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change, with Director DC Rana confirming that this regulation will also apply to vehicles entering Himachal from other states. Since a substantial number of tourists arrive in vehicles registered in neighboring regions and the national capital, this provision ensures the rule’s effectiveness is not diluted by out-of-state entries. The authorities estimate that installing a dustbin in a vehicle would cost only around ₹300 to ₹400, making it an affordable yet impactful step for cleanliness.
Although private vehicles and goods carriers like trucks and pickups have not been included in the present order, the government has hinted at extending the regulation to personal vehicles in the future. For now, the focus remains on commercial vehicles that contribute significantly to the solid waste problem due to their volume of passenger traffic.
To support the execution of this rule, garbage disposal infrastructure at bus and taxi stands will be strengthened. Where bins do not exist, they will be installed in coordination with the Urban Development Department. In addition, a mobile application is set to be launched shortly for real-time challan issuance and vehicle impoundment in case of severe or repeated violations.
Through this initiative, the government aims not only to reduce roadside litter but also to inculcate a culture of responsible waste disposal among travelers. As environmental concerns mount due to the increasing impact of tourism on fragile ecosystems, Himachal Pradesh’s new regulation sends a clear message—keeping the state clean is not just the responsibility of the authorities but of every person traveling through it.
