Garbage piles in Kullu town an eyesore

Kullu town, often projected as the cultural and tourist heart of Himachal Pradesh, is grappling with an ugly and persistent problem — uncontrolled garbage dumping at public places. From the busy Sabzi Mandi to the road leading towards the Girls’ School at Sultanpur, heaps of garbage can be seen at multiple points. According to local resident Ritesh, the scale of neglect reflects a deeper issue of mental and social illiteracy among sections of the population. “Anywhere you look, you will find piles of waste and the filth keeps increasing in full public view,” he said, expressing anguish over the worsening conditions.

What is particularly shocking is that people continue to dump waste at places where roads have remained closed for months. With access blocked, no regular cleaning is possible, yet garbage is thrown there without hesitation. “If a road is closed, who will clean it? Or have we collectively decided to turn the town into a garbage house?” asks Ritesh.

Piles of plastic, vegetable waste and household refuse are visible everywhere. However, those responsible for creating this mess rarely face any consequences. Locals allege that habitual violators remain beyond the reach of both law and municipal authorities. This lack of enforcement has encouraged repeated garbage dumping, making the problem chronic rather than occasional.

Ironically, while Kullu boasts of a high literacy rate, residents argue that the reality on its streets tells a different story. “Is this what education means? Is this our idea of civic sense and culture?” asks another resident. He said the situation was deeply shameful for a town that thrives on tourism and claims to value environmental consciousness.

For nearly a year now, a small group of socially-aware citizens has been voluntarily cleaning parts of the affected area, trying to contain the insanitary conditions. But frustration is growing. “How long can a few people keep cleaning when others continue to dump fresh garbage every day?” they ask.

Residents believe that the solution lies not only in sanitation drives, but also in creating strong social awareness and strict accountability. They stress that people need more than basic literacy — they need civic education and a sense of responsibility. At the same time, they urge the administration to enforce rules firmly and penalise offenders, warning that without immediate action, Kullu’s image and public health would suffer further.