Heading to Uttarakhand? Ensure your vehicle has garbage bag or dustbin to avoid penalties

In a bid to address ongoing cleanliness challenges, the Uttarakhand Government has implemented a new rule requiring all vehicles entering the state to be equipped with garbage bags or dustbins. This initiative aims to maintain the pristine environment of the Himalayan state and tackle the issue of illegal garbage dumping that has plagued popular tourist routes and destinations.

Chief Secretary Radha Raturi stressed the importance of this regulation during a recent meeting, directing officials to ensure strict enforcement. The state transport department has been instructed to conduct regular inspections at all entry points to verify compliance with the new mandate. This measure is part of a broader effort to preserve the natural beauty of Uttarakhand, which is frequently marred by littering, particularly along the Char Dham route and near renowned tourist spots like Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Nainital.

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In support of this initiative, the transport department has reached out to transport commissioners in neighbouring states—including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan—to request their cooperation. The aim is to ensure that vehicles from these regions also adhere to the new norm. Failure to comply will result in fines and the withholding of trip cards, which are required for travel within the state.


The state’s strategy includes the issuance of trip cards, both online and at entry points, which will only be granted to vehicles that have a dustbin or garbage bag installed. Vehicle owners must present valid documentation, including a registration certificate, fitness certificate, insurance paper, and pollution certificate, before receiving a trip card. This process is designed to discourage passengers from discarding waste on the roadside.

This new rule addresses a persistent issue highlighted by various NGOs and social organisations, who have raised concerns about the mounting garbage problem despite previous efforts. By holding tourists, tour operators, and drivers accountable for maintaining cleanliness, the Uttarakhand Government aims to reduce litter and promote responsible tourism.

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Chief Secretary Raturi reiterated the collective responsibility of residents and visitors in preserving the state's natural environment. “Uttarakhand is a tourist state. Maintaining the natural cleanliness of the state and protecting its environment is the collective responsibility of its residents as well as the lakhs of tourists and devotees who visit the state every year,” she stated.

In a similar vein, Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced plans to amend existing legislation to impose stricter penalties for illegal garbage dumping. Vehicles caught violating these rules will face severe consequences, including the revocation of permits for one year.