Key Kullu trek gets dustbins

Mandi, July 6

In a proactive move toward environmental conservation, Kullu youths have installed dustbins along the Barshaini-Kheerganga trek in the Parbati valley, a prominent tourism spot in the district.

The initiative aims at addressing the practice of littering as thousands of domestic and international tourists take the trek annually.

Birbal, operator of Hilltop Camping Site at Kheerganga, highlighted the environmental impact caused by irresponsible disposal of plastic bottles and wrappers along the trek. In collaboration with the consultant of Dev Cafe in Barshaini, they have placed over 20 dustbins along the trek to make visitors dispose of their trash responsibly.

D.R. Suman, president of the Parbati Valley Tour Operators Union, pointing out the lack of adequate infrastructure like dustbins even as the area’s hydroelectric projects were generating substantial revenue. Suman, an environmentalist and mountaineer, called for utilising funds under various schemes for the upkeep of the valley’s natural and cultural heritage.

He commended the efforts of the local youths and urged other communities in the valley to actively participate in similar initiatives.