Sikkim might be nestled far away, in a relatively small corner of India, but the state is gradually pioneering sustainable practices that the entire country stands to learn from. The mountainous state might be relatively tiny, but it is indeed mighty, and greener than it's ever been before. In fact according to the Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2016 report Sikkim has been ranked as India's cleanest state, based on the sanitation of its rural areas.
Here are six things we have to learn from Sikkim:
1 . How to legitimately go organic
In 2003 . Sikkim became the first state in India to officially adopt organic farming practices with the aim of protecting the environment and decreasing health risks. The state just picked up the Oscar for best policies' from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the world's best policies promoting sustainable food systems. The Future Policy Award was handed over to the state, that beat 2 . other countries including Brazil and Denmark. Sikkim has also completely stopped the import of chemical fertilisers. All produce from Sikkim will soon be completely pesticide-free.
2 . How to effectively ban plastic
In 1998 . Sikkim became the first Indian state to ban disposable plastic bags. And they actually made it happen. Shopkeepers were not given licences if they were using plastic bags, heavy fines were imposed and CCTV cameras were installed to keep a tab on the plastic usage.
3 . How to conserve water
The use of bottled water in government offices and functions is not allowed. Ministers have to take reusable water bottles to the office and filtered water is served in glasses. There are also water filters set up so that people can refill their reusable bottles.
4 . How to encourage eco-friendly packaging
The government has banned the sale and use of Styrofoam and thermocol disposable plates, cutlery and food containers. The use of plates and cutlery made of leaves, sugar cane bagasse and bamboo is being encouraged.
5 . How to increase health and sanitation
Sikkim is also the first state in India to ban open defecation. If you're caught urinating in public you can be fined Rs500 . It is even mandatory to have a sanitary toilet at home to be eligible for any government benefits.
6 . How to save the environment
The government encourages individuals to adopt a tree as your child or sibling, in an initiative to protect the environment. The tree is registered under your name after a verification process and any damage to a registered tree is treated as a forest offence.