A disturbing video shared by Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan has ignited a firestorm of anger and concern across social media. The footage reveals a pristine water body in Himachal Pradesh's high-altitude region tragically transformed into a dumping ground, littered with plastic bottles and other waste left behind by pilgrims.
Shocking Scenes from a Sacred Pilgrimage
The video captures the aftermath of the Manimahesh Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage. The discarded waste, predominantly single-use plastic bottles and assorted debris, was found strewn around at an alarming altitude of approximately 13,000 feet. Sharing the clip on social media, Officer Kaswan posed a poignant question to the public. He wrote, “Do you really think Hills are calling us!! This is a view from Manimahesh Yatra, Himachal Pradesh. Even at 13,000 feet, we are leaving our marks.”
Public Outrage and a Pattern of Neglect
The public reaction was swift and severe, with users lambasting the careless behavior of tourists and pilgrims. Many expressed deep worry about the irreversible environmental damage being inflicted on these fragile ecosystems. This incident is, unfortunately, not an isolated one. Over the past few years, several similar videos and reports have surfaced, highlighting a persistent and growing problem of littering in Himachal Pradesh's popular trekking and pilgrimage spots.
The online commentary reflected a mix of shame, anger, and a call for accountability. One user commented, "It’s a shame that people are so determined to destroy hills or, to be more precise, ecologically fragile areas. Is Bhagwan actually happy with such pilgrimages?" Another stated bluntly, "Humans are worst for nature! Its so pathetic."
Some pointed fingers at a broader cultural issue, with one remark reading, “Indians are the worst-behaved civilians in the world. We’ve got no sense of cleanliness and public order. Horrible.” Others highlighted systemic failures, noting, “Until there is some semblance of waste management promoting unabated tourism will only result in scenes like the one you show.”
A Call for Conscious Tourism
The viral video serves as a stark reminder of the heavy footprint of unchecked tourism in ecologically sensitive zones. It underscores an urgent need for:
- Better waste management infrastructure at remote high-altitude sites.
- Strict enforcement of littering laws and hefty penalties for violators.
- Mass awareness campaigns targeting pilgrims and tourists about 'Leave No Trace' principles.
- Community-led initiatives to clean and protect these natural treasures.
The hills of Himachal Pradesh are indeed calling, but the response they are receiving is one of pollution and disregard. The incident at Manimahesh is a clarion call for pilgrims, tourists, and authorities alike to re-evaluate their practices and ensure that devotion and tourism do not come at the cost of the environment.
