Wake Up Call: Protect Our Land Before It’s Too Late

Sonam Pintso Sherpa

OPINION

It is heartbreaking to witness a foreign tourist picking up our trash while we, the locals, walk past it as if it’s not our responsibility. This is not just shameful—it is a failure on our part. We take immense pride in the breathtaking beauty of our land, boasting about its pristine mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers. But how can we truly take pride in something we don’t protect? If we continue to neglect our duty towards our environment, we will lose the very treasures that make our homeland special.

Sikkim and the Himalayas are known for their untouched natural beauty, but they are not immune to the threats of pollution and climate change. We have already seen the harsh realities of global warming. The glaciers are melting, weather patterns are becoming unpredictable, and biodiversity is under threat. While air pollution has long been a known enemy, soil pollution—mainly caused by the careless disposal of single-use plastics—is becoming an equally dangerous problem. Plastic waste clogs our rivers, chokes our forests, and poisons the very soil that sustains life.

Tourism and Responsibility Must Go Hand in Hand

Tourism plays a vital role in our economic growth, providing employment and business opportunities. But economic benefits should not come at the cost of environmental destruction. Every year, more tourists visit our beautiful land, eager to witness snowfall, serene lakes, majestic mountains, and rich greenery. But with the rise in visitors, the amount of litter, especially plastic waste, is increasing at an alarming rate.

If we do not act now, a time will come when there will be no snowfall, our lakes will dry up, our mighty rivers will shrink, and the lush green forests will turn into barren land. Imagine a future where our children and grandchildren inherit a land stripped of its beauty, where the rivers they once played in have become garbage dumps, and where wildlife struggles to survive in a plastic-filled wasteland.

What Can We Do?

The responsibility to protect our environment does not rest solely on the government or concerned authorities—it is upon each and every one of us. Change starts with small steps, and together, we can make a difference. Here’s how:

1. Reduce Plastic Use – Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.

2. Proper Waste Disposal – Never litter! Use designated bins and encourage others to do the same.

3. Community Clean-Up Drives – Participate in or organize clean-up initiatives in your locality. A small effort by a group of people can create a big impact.

4. Educate and Create Awareness – Talk to family, friends, and visitors about the importance of keeping our environment clean.

5. Hold Authorities Accountable – Demand strict waste management policies and enforcement from local authorities. Sustainable tourism should be a priority.

6. Respect Nature – While traveling, ensure that you leave no trace behind. Take back your waste, do not pollute water sources, and respect local ecosystems.

Act Now, Before It’s Too Late!

Nature has given us so much—fresh air, clean water, and stunning landscapes. It is time we give back by being responsible caretakers of our land. Our ancestors preserved this land for us; now, it is our duty to do the same for future generations. Let’s not wait until our forests turn into deserts and our rivers run dry. Let’s act today, so tomorrow remains beautiful.

Save our land before it’s lost forever!

Sonam Pintso Sherpa,

Green Journalist Awardee