Strict anti-littering laws needed

Many tourist spots in Oman are of late being spoilt at the hands of empty-headed tourists who are completely inconsiderate about the result of their actions.


Just a week ago, when it was raining in the Northern part of the country, the good weather lured me to drive around some breathtaking spots near my town, Wadi al Khoudh. But I was disappointed to find diapers, trash, plastic water bottles and even whisky bottles left around the valley stream. Many scenic spots in the vicinity were also drowning in a sea of garbage.

Another day, feeling on top of the world and enjoying the glorious views on the

sharp-edged mountain tops of Jebel Shams, the highest point in the Gulf, a couple of trash bags emitting the odour of contaminated food were enough to throw me into the doldrums and ruin all my joyful moments. 

Oman's gorgeous and most important assets – its clean pristine oceans, beaches, wadis, deserts and mountains – are being destroyed by vandals. This issue is getting more serious and strict rules and laws must be enforced to stop this attitude.

There are many deterrent rules and harsh punishments for who throw trash in public places in some developed countries. In Singapore, for instance, a person will have to pay a fine of US$1,000 (approximately RO385) if he or she chews gum, spits or throws garbage in public places. Such deterrent rules should also be applied in Oman, especially since the government's strategic plan is to move its focus towards the service sector and tourism to boost the economy.

Clean-up campaigns will help minimise the problem, but certainly won't solve it. We need more awareness, strict rules and more attention from the Ministry of Tourism to preserve scenic spots, in addition to periodic renovation.







Note:
This article was published also in Muscat Daily newspaper and you can find it here.