Littering at tourist places mars Dharamsala’s Smart City image

Dharamsala, February 19

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The decision of the state government to make Kangra the tourist capital of Himachal Pradesh is easier said than done. Tourists visit these pristine hills to seek solace from the maddening hustle and bustle of cities, but leave behind a trail of garbage.

Waste emanates foul smell

• The litter comprises mainly plastic bottles and packaging material, which are non-biodegradable.
• Garbage starts emanating a foul smell and gives an ugly look to meadows.
• Tourists are littering places like Triund, one of the most sought-after destination by trekkers

Nature-loving citizens of Dharamsala town are perturbed to see leftovers along rivers and meadows. According to Sanjay Kumbkarni, a hotelier and geologist by profession, “My heart breaks every time I go out for a walk. What has happened to Dharamsala? Garbage is strewn everywhere. I fervently hope that someone will spread awareness and shake the administration out of its slumber.”

The litter comprises mainly plastic bottles and packaging material, which are non-biodegradable. Garbage starts emanating a foul smell and gives an ugly look to meadows.

Other inhabitants of the town also express concern over littering by tourists at conspicuous places, including Triund, one of the most sought-after destination by trekkers.

While tourism is vital to the region’s economy, unbridled littering is jeopardising its pristine beauty and ecological balance. Residents suggest that to tackle this problem, it is imperative to impose a fine on tourists, who are found littering. The irresponsible behaviour of some tourists needs to be checked. Once the airport gets bigger and the four-lane highways bring in more tourists as the state government wishes, it will be more challenging to keep intact nature’s treasures.

Dharamsala Mayor Neenu Sharma says that they will penalise people found littering the town. Such people will be dealt with strictly, she added.