Save Our Valleys: A Plea for Action Against Mounting Waste Crisis in Himachal

The pristine valleys of Tirthan, Jibhi, Sainj, Balichowki, and Banjar—once untouched havens of natural beauty—are now drowning in garbage. With tourism booming and infrastructure expanding, the lack of a proper waste management system has turned into an environmental emergency. Rivers are choking, forests are littered, and the health of both locals and visitors is at risk.

Every day, these regions generate tonnes of waste—much of it plastic and non-biodegradable. Yet, there’s no effective system to collect, segregate, or dispose of it responsibly. Instead, trash piles up along roadsides, clogs water sources, and seeps into the soil, threatening ecosystems and public health.

1. A Centralized Waste Processing Plant – The entire Seraj region lacks proper infrastructure. A dedicated facility is urgently needed.
2. Land for Waste Management – Even Nagar Panchayat Banjar struggles to find space for waste disposal. The government must step in.
3. Waste Segregation at Home – Without public awareness and support, recycling efforts will fail.
4. Sustainable Funding & Resources – Departments must collaborate to provide financial and technical aid.
5. MGNREGA for Waste Collection – Rural workers could help collect waste and set up compost pits.
6. Regular Waste Pickup Services – From Jalori to Larji, a systematic collection system is critical.
7. Public-Private Partnerships – Earlier ties with cement plants for plastic disposal must be revived.
8. Community Awareness Drives – Panchayats, NGOs, and locals must unite to reduce and manage waste.
9. Strict but Fair Enforcement – Penalties for littering should follow, not precede, a functional waste system.

Waste management isn’t just an urban problem—remote areas are suffering the most. Without immediate action, the very landscapes that draw tourists will become dumping grounds, harming wildlife, water sources, and local livelihoods.

Himalaya Niti Abhiyan urge the Himachal Pradesh government to adopt a valley-wide waste management strategy before it’s too late. But change also starts with us—tourists, residents, and businesses must commit to reducing waste and disposing of it responsibly.

The time to act is now. Let’s protect these valleys before they’re lost beneath the trash.

What can you do?

• Reduce plastic use when visiting.
• Support local cleanup initiatives.
• Demand action from local authorities.