PRENEETA SHARMA
Shimla/Sirmaur
Churdhar, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimage destinations and a jewel of the Shivalik range, is facing an escalating environmental crisis as increasing amounts of plastic and non-biodegradable waste continue to accumulate along its trekking routes and surrounding areas. A recent clean-up drive led by volunteers resulted in the removal of nearly 70 kilograms of garbage from the mountain. However, those involved in the campaign warn that the waste collected represents only a small fraction of the pollution that remains scattered across the sacred peak.
Disturbing scenes witnessed during the clean-up operation revealed plastic bottles, food wrappers, liquor bottles, discarded clothing and other waste materials lodged between rocks, buried beneath vegetation and strewn across various sections of the trekking trail. Volunteers reported finding garbage even in remote and difficult-to-access locations, highlighting the extent of the environmental damage being inflicted on the mountain.
Environmentalists have expressed serious concern over the growing problem, warning that plastic waste left in fragile Himalayan ecosystems can remain for hundreds of years. Such pollution not only contaminates natural water sources but also threatens wildlife and damages the ecological balance of the region. Experts caution that continued neglect could have long-term consequences for the biodiversity and environmental health of Churdhar and its surrounding forests.
The situation has once again raised questions about the responsibility of visitors, authorities and society at large. While thousands of pilgrims and trekkers visit Churdhar every year seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty, many continue to leave behind waste that tarnishes the sanctity of the site. Environmental groups argue that despite repeated awareness campaigns and periodic clean-up drives, the absence of strict enforcement measures has allowed irresponsible behaviour to continue unchecked.
When the Crazy News India team sought a response from the Divisional Conservator Officer (Wildlife) regarding the growing waste crisis and the measures being taken to address it, the officer declined to comment on the matter. The refusal to respond has further raised concerns among environmentalists and local residents, who believe urgent intervention and accountability are needed to protect the fragile ecosystem of Churdhar.
Volunteers involved in the recent campaign stressed that clean-up drives alone cannot solve the problem. They have called for stronger action, including strict penalties for littering, enhanced monitoring of trekking routes, improved waste management systems and greater accountability among visitors. According to them, unless effective preventive measures are introduced, the mountain will continue to face an endless cycle of pollution and clean-up efforts.
The growing waste crisis at Churdhar serves as a stark reminder that preserving the region’s natural and spiritual heritage requires collective responsibility. As volunteers continue to remove garbage from the mountain, many are asking a troubling question: if 70 kilograms of waste were removed today, how much more will be waiting tomorrow?
