Tourists leave behind trail of filth, garbage in Palampur

Our Correspondent

Palampur, July 2

Tourists from adjoining states such as Punjab, J&K and Chandigarh, who were here for the weekend getaway, have left behind a trail of filth and garbage.

In the past few days, several tourists visited Bir-Billing, Baijnath, Palampur, Kandwari and Gopalpur. Expressing concern, environmentalists and local residents said heaps of plastic covers, mineral water bottles, chips packets and sweet foils could be seen in upper areas of Palampur-Baijnath-Bir-Billing.

Deputy Mayor, Palampur, Anish Nag said in the last couple of days, he and his team of volunteers from the Bundla Youth Club had removed hundreds of empty liquor bottles and plastic junk from forests and water channels.

“Sustaining the biodiversity of the area is not possible without the cooperation of tourists. It is really unfortunate that some visitors lack civic sense and throw away plastic items in forests, rivers and rivulets after use,” he added.

On the other hand, environmentalist groups, including People Voice and Dhauladhar Seva Samiti, blame officials for poor monitoring in key areas.