A Lesson from Foreign Visitors

Recently, two tourists from Denmark were seen picking up trash along the route to Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. Their simple yet powerful act of responsible tourism stands in stark contrast to the neglect often shown by domestic travellers. While their initiative was applauded, it also serves as a moment of introspection—why must it take foreign visitors to remind us of our own responsibility?

Sikkim, a much favoured holiday destination in the country, is not immune to the reckless attitude of tourists who leave behind plastic bottles, snack wrappers, and other waste. Despite repeated awareness campaigns and the state’s plastic ban, the littering continues. Yumthang Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers,” should be a symbol of pristine beauty, not human negligence. That foreigners found it necessary to clean up after others is not a moment of pride but a reminder of our collective failure.

Tourism contributes significantly to Sikkim’s economy, yet irresponsible behaviour threatens the very landscapes that attract visitors. The irony is glaring—locals and domestic tourists, who should be the primary custodians of these fragile ecosystems, often fail to respect them. The situation raises an urgent question: If outsiders can show such care for our environment, why can’t we?

This incident also highlights the lack of accountability in India’s tourism sector. Most hill stations and ecologically sensitive regions suffer from unchecked tourism, with waste management systems either poorly implemented or entirely absent. Local authorities must enforce stricter regulations, such as penalizing littering and ensuring that tourist hotspots have adequate waste disposal infrastructure. Hotels, homestays, and tour operators must also take responsibility, educating guests on sustainable practices.

More importantly, environmental consciousness must begin at home. Schools should incorporate lessons on eco-responsibility, and families must instill the habit of leaving places cleaner than they were found. Campaigns should not merely be symbolic gestures but community-driven efforts that yield tangible results. The change must be cultural, not occasional.

The Danish tourists’ action is a humbling lesson. Their willingness to clean up a foreign land should serve as a wake-up call for both tourists and residents. Responsible tourism is not a choice—it is a necessity. If we continue to treat our natural heritage with disregard, we risk not only losing its beauty but also its economic viability. The responsibility to preserve the splendour of Sikkim—and all of India—rests not with visitors, but with us. Let us not wait for another group of foreigners to remind us of our duty.