Sikkim is set to introduce portable water containers made from bamboo for visitors in the upcoming tourist season, in an effort to reinforce its stand as an eco-friendly tourist destination.
The bamboo water bottles will soon be available in Lachung, a tourist spot located 118 kms away from the state capital Gangtok.
Branded as ‘Khang Chu’ which roughly translates to fresh mountain water; the bamboo water bottles has been initiated as an alternative for visitors and tourists since plastic water bottles have been banned in Lachung from last year.
With the support of the local population and tourism stakeholders native to the area, the entire area of Lachung and Yumthang Valley have been free of discarded plastic waste.
Along with heavy contribution from the people of Lachung, experts from South Colorado have also been consulted for making the bamboo water bottles.
Thupden Lachungpa, a local from the area has informed that hundreds of pieces of bamboo have seen sent for the treatment process out of which about 900-1200 bamboo water bottle would be made, reported Sikkim Express.
Currently the project is in the transition phase pending approval from the Tourism Ministry.
It is proposed that each bottle will be charged at about Rs 200. If the tourist chooses to return the bottle, they will be refunded Rs 180 for the empty bottle, essentially paying Rs 20 at the end.
However for a full price of Rs 200, tourists can keep the bamboo water bottles as a souvenir from their trip.
Lachungpa hopes that this initiative will be a better and alternative source of sustainable livelihood activity for the people residing in the area.