Garbage at tourist hotspots in Lahaul threatens ecosystem

With the surge in tourist influx this summer, the pristine Lahaul valley is under threat from mounting garbage scattered across popular tourist spots. Scenic destinations such as Sissu, Tandi, Keylong, Jispa and Koksar have turned into unsightly dumping grounds, raising concern among local residents and tourism stakeholders.

The problem, they say, is being caused by reckless tourists who are discarding waste irresponsibly. This growing menace is not only spoiling the natural charm of the valley but also posing a serious threat to its fragile ecosystem.

Rigzin Samphel Heyerpa, a prominent tourism stakeholder from Lahaul, expressed deep concern over the situation. “Tourist hotspots like Koksar, Sissu, Tandi, Keylong and Jispa are dotted with garbage. The natural beauty of this region is being compromised and this is also directly impacting our ecology,” he said. “The government must act urgently to address this issue.”

Locals report that the garbage includes plastic bottles, food wrappers and other non-biodegradable waste, which are often dumped along roadsides and water bodies. The picturesque valley, once known for its serenity and cleanliness, is now struggling to maintain its ecological balance amid growing tourist activity.

Tash Barongpa, another tourism stakeholder, shared a recent incident where he personally confronted tourists throwing garbage from their vehicle. “I stopped them and made them pick up the trash. But such incidents are becoming frequent,” he lamented. “There needs to be strict enforcement. Every vehicle, whether private or government, entering the valley through the Atal Tunnel must be checked for carrying garbage collection bags. If they don’t have one, they should be fined.”

Both Heyrepa and Barongpa are urging the state government and the Lahaul-Spiti district administration to implement immediate and concrete measures. Suggested solutions include heavy penalties for littering, awareness campaigns and mandatory garbage collection systems for tourists.

Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana said that two material recovery facility (MRF) centres have been developed at Koksar and Billing in Lahaul valley and more would be developed at Jispa and other panchayats for garbage disposal. “The biggest problem we are facing for setting up MRF centres in the district is land availability. I have directed the representatives of gram panchayats to provide land in their respective panchayats for the effective disposal of garbage in the valley. Tourists are being encouraged to bring carry bags with them in their vehicles for garbage collection and avoid littering in the valley. Apart from this, the administration is providing garbage collection bags to tourists near Atal Tunnel, while entering the valley,” she said.

Tourism is a vital part of Lahaul’s economy, but without proper regulation and civic sense, stakeholders fear the valley’s natural legacy could be irreversibly damaged.