The Office of the Inspector General of Police, Check Post Headquarters, Gangtok, on December 16 issued an order mandating strict adherence to safety norms for vehicles carrying tourists during the winter season, which extends till the end of March.
The directive will be enforced by the Station House Officers of Chungthang, Lachen, Lachung, Sheruthang and Kupup police stations—areas that see heavy tourist movement and severe weather conditions during winter.
As per the order, all tourist vehicles must compulsorily carry two tyre chains, a garbage bag, a shovel and spade, two portable oxygen cylinders, and a first aid kit. The measures have been introduced in view of the challenging terrain, frequent snowfall, road blockages and health risks faced by tourists in high-altitude regions during winter.
Police have warned that vehicles found violating the norms will be challaned and penalised as per existing laws.
Officials said the move is aimed at improving tourist safety, ensuring better preparedness during emergencies such as snowbound roads or medical distress, and encouraging responsible tourism in sensitive and remote parts of Sikkim.
The order, issued by the IGP, Check Post Headquarters under the Sikkim Police, comes at a time when tourist inflow to snow-prone destinations increases during the peak winter months.