Tourist warned with Rs 500 fine for plucking flower in Sikkim’s Yumthang Valley
The incident happened in Lachung area, which is close to the Valley of Flowers. A video of the fine being issued has now gone viral on social media, especially Facebook and is getting a lot of attention.
LOCAL
A tourist visiting North Sikkim had to pay a fine of Rs 500 after he was caught picking a flower in the famous Yumthang Valley. The incident happened in Lachung area, which is close to the Valley of Flowers. A video of the fine being issued has now gone viral on social media, especially Facebook and is getting a lot of attention.
The tourist, who seemed surprised, said, “So this flower has a big worth in Lachung?”
Though Sikkim’s official tourism website does not clearly say that there is a fine for picking flowers, it does mention that damaging natural resources and littering are not allowed. Many places in the state, like the Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok, put up boards asking people not to pluck flowers or leaves. This shows that the state takes flower conservation seriously.
Yumthang Valley, often called the ‘Valley of Flowers’, is known for its colourful and rare wildflowers, especially rhododendrons. The valley is also part of the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is a protected area. During the blooming season, the whole valley is covered in flowers, attracting hundreds of tourists from all over India and abroad.
People on social media have reacted in different ways to the viral video. Some praised the forest officials for doing their job and protecting the valley. Others said that tourists should be properly informed about such rules before they enter these sensitive areas.
The Lachung Forest Department has not made an official statement about the video yet, but the message is clear: visitors must be more responsible. Sikkim is a state known for its clean environment and natural beauty. Locals and authorities work hard to keep it that way.