The Indian government is set to launch a major new program aimed at tackling the growing crisis of plastic and municipal waste in the country's picturesque but fragile hill stations and Himalayan tourist hubs. The initiative comes as these destinations grapple with overflowing landfills and environmental strain driven by a tourism boom.
Addressing a Mountain of Waste
Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs confirmed the upcoming Clean Himalayan Cities Initiative, which will offer both financial support and technical expertise to cities struggling with waste management. The move follows urgent concerns raised by experts about the unsustainable levels of waste, particularly plastic, generated in these regions.
Speaking at a recent ministry workshop, specialists highlighted a shift in consumption patterns, noting that the widespread use of instant noodles and energy drinks, as opposed to local food, is contributing significantly to the plastic waste problem. Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary S Katikithala emphasized the immediate need for action, pointing to the surge in tourism and large-scale events that are overwhelming urban infrastructure in hill states.
Which Cities and States Are Covered?
The initiative will have a wide reach, encompassing cities across India's Himalayan belt. The states and union territories identified include Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Notably, the program will also extend to key foothill cities in West Bengal: Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Siliguri. Officials noted that these areas face unique urban challenges due to their delicate ecosystems, steep terrain, scattered settlements, and extreme weather conditions, making conventional waste management solutions difficult.
Building on Swachh Bharat Success
The new initiative will be anchored under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U). The ministry stated that many Himalayan cities have already demonstrated effective, community-driven waste management practices under SBM-U. The goal now is to replicate and scale up these successful models through enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing.
"Building on these successes and with an aim to further accelerate and amplify such efforts, this initiative will strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and chart a sustainable pathway for clean and resilient hill cities," the ministry said in a statement.
The next steps involve detailed assessments by participating states and union territories to identify priority areas and prepare comprehensive plans for ministry approval. The rollout of concrete interventions is proposed for early 2026, with the objective of delivering tangible and visible improvements in the cleanliness and sustainability of these iconic Himalayan cities.
