Thread by @sdcfoundationuk

#Thread
For the last many years, mountains have witnessed an increased spate in trekking activities. Mass trekking activities have resulted in the deterioration of the mountain ecosystem. From Mt. Everest to Valley of Flowers, waste mgt is the new challenge for the hills!

#Trekking has been immensely famous amongst the youth residing in mega metropolises and other urban hubs of the country. Seeing it as a good economic opportunity, organizations have begun mass trekking activities which are proving to be fatal for the fragile #mountains!

#Himachal has been struggling to keep its remote and hilly areas clean. With increased trekking activities, plastic waste is a new problem for the villagers. But, organizations like @healinghimalaya have taken it upon themselves to address such a crisis!

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/ho…

The case remains the same for #Uttarakhand which hosts some of the best and scenic treks nestled in the #Himalayas.

"Indians are getting adventurous. But as more of them take to trekking, the trash they invariably leave behind on the mountains."

hindustantimes.com/india-news/a-h…

The mass #tourism patterns have not even spared the world's highest place - Mount Everest.

At the peak, each person generates, on avg, around 8 kgs of #trash and the majority of this waste get left on the #mountain.

@UNmountains @Anoopnautiyal1 @teriin

nationalgeographic.org/article/trash-…

For locals residing in these remote and rural places, plastic waste is completely a new thing! They either burn it or dump it down the valleys. In turn, it is polluting water bodies and wildlife habitats.

@ManshiAsher @JamwalNidhi

#PlasticWaste
#Tourism
#Mountains

The solution to the problem lies in adopting more sustainable and responsible ways of #Tourism. Mountain states need to revisit their models on mass & commercial tourism which is creating a severe strain on sensitive #Himalayas.

Post #COVID19, mountains need #tourism that is soft on the environment and creates ample opportunities for the local communities. Their integration will help solidify the economy at the grassroots and ensure that #mountains are intact and healthy.

@deespeak @RandeepHooda