Forest Officer Slams Tourists For Littering Himachal Hills. Tips For Proper Waste Disposal

In a recently posted Instagram video, IFS officer Parveen Kaswan questioned whether "the hills are really calling us" after witnessing the state in which tourists leave them - littered with garbage. The video shows snow-covered hills and a small frozen water body, strewn with trash consisting mostly of discarded bottles. In his caption, Parveen Kaswan revealed that the clip is from the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh.

For the unversed, Manimahesh Lake is one of Himachal Pradesh's most revered pilgrimage sites. Located at an altitude of 13,000 feet at the base of the Kailash Peak (18,564 ft), the lake hosts an annual fair on the eighth day of the light half of the moon in the month of Bhadon. Thousands of pilgrims gather here to take a dip in its holy waters. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this yatra.

In his caption, the IFS officer wrote, "Do you really think hills are calling us? This is the view from Manimahesh Yatra, HP. Even at 13,000 feet, we are leaving our marks." He also tagged nonprofit Healing Himalayas and environmentalist Pradeep Sangwan.

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A post shared by Parveen Kaswan (@parveen_kaswan_ifs)

The comments section was flooded with reactions questioning the "civic sense" of Indian tourists.

One user wrote, "We need civic sense as serious coursework from nursery to college. It should be treated more seriously than traditional subjects."

Another commented, "This is sad. No amount of development can bring civic sense to us." A third added, "Overtourism is ruining our mountains."

One expressed anger, saying, "Shame on the tourists ruining the environment." Another remarked, "Yes, the mountains are calling... to clean up the mess we left behind."

Whenever you set out to explore the hidden beauty of the Himalayas, remember that your actions matter. The mountains may appear mighty and eternal, but they are fragile ecosystems where even small acts, such as leaving behind plastic or disregarding basic etiquette, can cause lasting harm. That's why adopting eco-friendly practices is crucial to preserving these pristine landscapes.

Tips For Responsible Waste Disposal While Trekking:

1. Repackage food to reduce excess packaging and minimise waste.
2. Check your campsite and rest spots for trash or spilt food before leaving.
3. Carry out all waste, including leftover food and litter. Avoid burning trash-it's harmful and not recommended.
4. Dispose of human waste properly by digging catholes 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from water sources, camps, and trails. Cover and disguise the spot after use.
5. Handle toilet paper responsibly-bury it deep in a cathole or pack it out along with hygiene products.
6. Wash responsibly-carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes, use small amounts of biodegradable soap, and scatter strained dishwater.