Himalayan Tribe Foundation to launch massive clean-up drive along Shrikhand Mahadev yatra route
Shimla, July 9,
In a committed effort to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecology, the Himalayan Tribe Foundation has announced a special clean-up campaign along the revered Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra route from July 19 to 23. The drive aims to tackle the growing menace of plastic waste left behind by pilgrims during the annual spiritual pilgrimage.
Informing the media, the foundation’s founder RP Negi Yullam stated that the organisation will strive to collect and recycle over 500 sacks of plastic waste, with a special focus on cleaning Parvati Kund, a key point along the high-altitude trek. “The waste piles are growing each year, making the situation alarming. Our goal is not only to clean the route but also to send a strong message — even remote and sacred Himalayan sites need conscious protection,” Negi added.
He further appealed to locals and volunteers to join the campaign, adding that whether it’s a pilgrimage site or a tourist destination, responsible behaviour and minimal plastic use must be encouraged among visitors.
The Foundation, which is the only NGO in Himachal consistently organising clean-up drives during such spiritual journeys, has in the past led successful campaigns in Yula Kanda (Kinnaur), Bhaba Valley, and Rampur. Their previous clean-up drive on the Shrikhand route also received wide appreciation for removing hundreds of sacks of non-biodegradable waste.
Nestled at an altitude of over 18,000 feet, the Shrikhand Mahadev peak is one of the toughest pilgrimages in India, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the treacherous trek across glaciers and rocky terrain to offer prayers at the Shivling-like rock formation. The spiritual magnetism of the site is matched by its raw, untouched natural beauty — a reason why protecting it from plastic pollution is more important than ever.
With the Shrikhand Yatra gaining more footfall each year, the Foundation’s campaign acts as a vital intervention to ensure the sanctity and purity of this Himalayan marvel is preserved for generations to come.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
