The Bir Hotel Association has discontinued its waste collection and disposal services across Bir-Billing with immediate effect, citing a lack of cooperation and support from the district administration. The decision was formally communicated to Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hem Raj Berwa through a letter, raising fears of a looming garbage crisis in the world-famous paragliding destination.
Association's Role in Waste Management
Association president Satish Abrol stated that the Bir Hotel Association had been managing waste collection and disposal in the region for the past four years, as no alternative system existed. Despite repeated efforts, the association did not receive adequate administrative support, leaving it with no option but to withdraw from the responsibility. Abrol noted that the responsibility for waste management now falls on the Special Area Development Authority of the Kangra district administration.
Zero Waste Destination Initiative
The association had earlier launched a large-scale cleanliness drive under the slogan “Zero Waste Destination” to maintain Bir-Billing as a clean and environmentally sustainable tourist hub. Over the past 56 months, it claims to have processed more than 1,200 tonnes of wet waste and nearly 1,300 tonnes of dry waste from the area.
Accumulation of Waste
A major setback occurred when waste that was earlier being sent to a cement factory for disposal could no longer be transported for nearly a year. This led to the accumulation of around five truckloads of segregated dry waste, creating a serious storage challenge. Although the waste had been properly segregated and packed, adequate storage space was no longer available.
Requests to Administration
Abrol further stated that several requests were made over the past year to the administration to arrange scientific disposal of waste through Ambuja Cement, but no viable solution was reached. The continued accumulation of waste made it impossible to sustain operations.
Timeline for Transition
In its letter to the Deputy Commissioner, the association said it would continue services only until July 10, after which responsibility should be taken over by the local civic body. It has urged the Bir Municipal Panchayat to begin waste collection from July 11 to prevent garbage accumulation in the tourist destination.
Concerns for Tourism
The development has raised concerns among residents and tourism stakeholders, who fear that any disruption in waste management could damage Bir’s reputation as one of Himachal Pradesh’s leading eco-tourism destinations. The authorities are now expected to intervene to prevent a potential sanitation crisis during the peak tourist season.
