Camping without proper permission is unethical in many ways. But numerous travel agencies in India do not bother about following the right rules. Greed for earning more in business often leads to nature being disturbed. So Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim have implemented new camping rules to ensure the safety of nature. From now on, you will have to follow strict rules to camp in Himachal and Sikkim. Proper permission from the forest department and administration is your only way to pitch tents. Campers will also have to bear charges to enter forest areas. Read on to know about what more is banned for campers in Himachal and Sikkim now!
A Pay Of ₹50 To Be Charged As Forest Entry
Camping and forests go hand in hand. To imagine a camp without a forest view is very off-putting. But with the new camping rules by Himachal, you might face this problem. Every time you enter a forest, you will now have to pay a fee of INR 50 from now on. The State Government has placed officials to check all illegal camping activities. The officials are also in charge of removing illegal tent setups from Forests. There’s a special team that will make sure the task is complete. Campers will also pass through various checkpoints, including the entrances to popular trekking routes.
Himachal Pradesh And Sikkim Ban ‘Fixed Camping’
Fixed camping is basically where tour operators set up camp bases in advance for the whole trekking season. This totally hampers the environmental peace of the place and threatens nature. The campsites in fixed camping also have all the necessary amenities, food, etc. The waste that is generated because of it all, becomes a hassle for the management of the States. Therefore banning fixed camping is a very conscious step taken by both Himachal and Sikkim. In terms of implementing new camping rules, this one feels like the need of the hour. “Fixed camping is hazardous to the environment. And it also doesn’t give a fair chance to other trekkers to camp at a particular spot,” reveals Kazi Sherpa, General Director of Adventure Cell, Sikkim Tourism.
The New Camping Rules Allow Rotational Camping
Rotational Camping is one of the best ways to camp without causing environmental degradation. If you have never been rotational camping, take up this conscious step to preserve nature from now on. Rotational Camping is also a fun way to camp. Imagine carrying all the equipment from one campsite to another! And the best part is you are not ruining the ecology of the place you are camping in. You reach, camp, eat, enjoy, wrap up and carry everything to the next site. Sounds exciting right? Well, the new camping rules of Himachal and Sikkim have proposed rotational camping in designated sites. It’s the best way to let tourists enjoy camping without disturbing nature. A brilliant move taken by the Governments, we say!
Also Read: Take Your Pooches To These Pet-Friendly Campsites Across India
First Published: July 12, 2022 1:28 PM
View this post on Instagram