For some time now, the Himalayas have been crying out for help, its pristine slopes littered with trash left behind by mountaineers, trekkers and tourists. Even the 8000ers are not spared. Mountaineers who summit leave behind their stuff like tents, empty O2 cylinders etc., much to the chagrin of the authorities.
Some high altitude pics taken by mountaineers, guides and photographers present a very sorry sight, with the proud face of the snow clad mountain smeared with dumps of wastes.
Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan, who is currently posted in Buxa Tiger Reserve as Deputy Director, voiced his concern about such littering in a X post.
He posted a photograph of Sissu, the first village after Atal tunnel in Himachal, which shows heaps of waste left by tourists lying around. His indignation at such littering is evident from his opening sentence: “What we are leaving behind in hills!!”
Have a look at his post:
What we are leaving behind in hills !!
This is village Sissu – once you cross Atal tunnel the first two villages are Sissu & Khoksar.
Now thousands of vehicles are entering Atal tunnel everyday.
Aren’t people supposed to take their trashes back!! @healinghimalaya pic.twitter.com/W53Zpsm4LCADVERTISEMENT— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) December 31, 2023
Littering In Himachal Pradesh Tourist Spots Raises Environmental Concerns. https://t.co/aBdLkYzFZX
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) January 1, 2024
