ENVIRONMENT

Himachal’s Natural Beauty Under Threat: The Rising Menace of Tourist Littering

Himachal Pradesh’s stunning landscapes are facing an urgent threat—not from landslides or natural disasters, but from a relentless wave of litter left behind by visitors. Every year, tourists, pilgrims, and trekkers travel to this Himalayan paradise, only to leave behind piles of garbage on its high passes, pilgrimage trails, and scenic trekking routes. This growing trash problem reflects a concerning lack of responsibility and respect for the very environment we claim to admire.

Himachal-based cartoonist Anand recently highlighted this issue on social media, lamenting the extent of littering in the state’s nature hotspots. In his words, “It seems that Himachal Pradesh’s nature hotspots have virtually become garbage dumping sites for nature lovers, pilgrims, and tourists. This is the third post we’ve done on similar situations at Shrikhand Kailash and Chanshal Pass. Overflowing bins, plastic bags, and trash everywhere—this is how we show our so-called love for nature. We exploit nature but give nothing in return.” His words are a stark reminder of the environmental toll of our collective carelessness.

The recent pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake is a painful example, with the trail from Hadsar to Shivkund now littered with waste—from plastic bottles to discarded offerings. According to Anand, cleaning up this mess would require the efforts of 500 people working continuously for a month. Despite attempts to engage shopkeepers and local representatives in the cleanup, there’s been little cooperation, underscoring the apathy towards preserving these revered sites.

Anand shared a particularly striking example: “It took days just to clean up the dump near a shop at Gauri Kund, filled with offerings, leftovers, and empty cans. Yet, only a few came forward—among them, KSDM Kulbir Rana and one shopkeeper, Ashwani, who supported us with food and shelter.” This instance is just one part of a much larger issue, as this negligence threatens the state’s ecological balance.

Despite court directives and orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), littering continues unchecked. Anand points out that both authorities and visitors share responsibility, adding that the government can’t simply pass the blame to manufacturers. Without immediate and effective action, these treasured landscapes risk being damaged beyond repair.

Calling for a change in mindset, Anand urged everyone to take responsibility. “Hope wisdom prevails,” he concluded—a plea for us all to protect the beauty of Himachal Pradesh before it’s too late.

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