Preserve Thirthan Valley: A Step Towards Sustainable Waste Management

Climate change continues to wreak havoc worldwide, causing severe and lasting damage through extreme weather events, ice loss, and coral bleaching. These impacts are expected to persist unless we drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use. From 2014 to 2023, global temperatures reached record highs, averaging about 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels.

In Himachal Pradesh, the effects of climate change are evident. Despite mid-2023’s heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, tourist arrivals grew from 1.51 crore in 2022 to 1.60 crore in 2023, with over one crore visitors by June. While tourism boosts the local economy, it also exacerbates pollution and waste management challenges, particularly in remote regions like Thirthan Valley.

Thirthan Valley: Paradise at Risk

Nestled in Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is celebrated for its unspoiled waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, and proximity to the UNESCO-designated Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Located at an average elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level, the valley forms part of the eco-buffer zone surrounding GHNP. Home to approximately 50 villages, the region has benefited significantly from the government’s Home Stay scheme, launched in 2006-07. While tourism has bolstered the local economy, it has also introduced significant challenges, particularly in waste management. The influx of visitors generates substantial amounts of non-biodegradable waste, which these remote areas struggle to manage. Often, this waste is either burned or discarded in open spaces or near water bodies, posing a severe threat to fragile ecosystems, polluting rivers, and impacting local communities. The urgency for a sustainable waste management system has never been greater.

About Healing Himalayas Foundation

Founded in 2016, Healing Himalayas has spent over eight years safeguarding the Himalayan environment. With six operational Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and two more planned for 2025, we aim to build an MRF in Thirthan Valley to establish sustainable waste management. This initiative will promote decentralized collection and centralized recycling to reduce pollution and protect the valley’s beauty.

How You Can Help

To ensure the success of this initiative, we need your help to fund a 4-year Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign.

Through this campaign, we will:

• Educate locals and tourists on waste segregation and responsible disposal.
• Conduct workshops and training to reduce dumping and burning of waste. 
• Conduct sessions with local businesses and hospitality providers on reducing plastic usage and switching to biodegradable packaging. 
• Train local waste workers on advanced waste sorting, composting techniques, and safety measures. 
• Leverage social media and local networks to share short videos, infographics, and real life impact stories. 
• Integrate waste awareness into cultural events through plays, music.
• Collaboration with local governance in policy-making for waste management. 
• Empower communities to embrace sustainable practices

Your generous contribution will help us:

• Save Thirthan’s fragile ecosystems
• Protect rivers and wildlife from pollution
• Improve health and livelihoods for local communities

Join us in preserving the breath-taking beauty of Thirthan Valley.

Every donation counts!