In Lachen, located in Sikkim, local residents demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development principles by checking vehicles for single-use plastic bottles before trips to Gurudongmar Lake. This measure aims to protect one of India's highest glacial lakes from plastic pollution.
This environmental care is part of a broader endeavor by Sikkim, which became the first state in India to ban plastic bags back in 1998. In Lachen, nature protection is viewed not just as government policy but as a way of life, supported through community participation and the development of responsible tourism.
In addition to the ban, the village uses eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo bottles. These practices show how it is possible to combine nature conservation with tourism development.
While Mumbai's roads can flood just a few hours after rain, Tokyo continues to function even during severe typhoons.
One of the factors ensuring Tokyo's resilience is the G-Can system—one of the world's largest underground flood control systems. Massive tunnels and reservoir chambers divert excess rainwater beneath the city, after which powerful pumps safely direct this water into the Edo River.
Thanks to this system, roads remain open, trains continue to run, and daily life proceeds with minimal disruption. With the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall, the question arises whether similar engineering solutions can enhance the resilience of Indian cities. There is also a discussion about the need for India to invest in underground flood control systems.
