Volunteers Brave Freezing Temperatures to Clear 8 Tonnes of Plastic Waste from Ladakh

In an inspiring effort to protect the fragile Himalayan environment, a Shimla-based NGO has removed nearly 7-8 tonnes of plastic waste from the area surrounding the famous Ghost Temple on the Manali-Leh highway in Ladakh, situated at an altitude of around 17,000 feet.

The clean-up mission was undertaken by an eight-member team from the Urooj Music Foundation, including three NGO members and five labourers, who spent three days clearing the site between October 13 and 15. Battling sub-zero temperatures, harsh winds and challenging terrain, the team worked tirelessly to remove years of accumulated waste from the remote mountain location.

The area around the Ghost Temple, located on the iconic Gata Loops stretch, had become heavily littered with plastic bottles due to a long-standing local belief. According to popular folklore, more than two decades ago, a truck helper died at the site after being stranded in extreme cold and without water when a vehicle broke down. Over time, travellers began leaving water bottles at the spot as an offering, and the practice gradually turned the area into a dumping ground for plastic waste.

Concerned by the growing environmental damage, the Urooj Music Foundation decided to intervene.

Sudarsh Pangi, a photographer and member of the team, said the initiative began with a visit to assess the situation and understand the scale of the problem. After studying the site, the team spent several days arranging equipment and supplies before travelling to Leh, where they discussed the proposed clean-up with Army officers, including Lt. Col. Sunny Singhal.

“What began as a simple discussion eventually became a meaningful mission to protect the beauty of Ladakh and take responsibility for the environment,” Pangi said.

The effort highlights both the environmental challenges facing popular tourist routes in the Himalayas and the impact that dedicated volunteers can make in preserving these ecologically sensitive regions. By removing tonnes of waste from one of Ladakh’s most visited landmarks, the team has not only restored the area’s natural beauty but also sent a strong message about responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.