A video shared by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan has sparked widespread concern over the growing problem of waste and irresponsible tourism in the Himalayan region. Shot during the Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh, the footage shows snow-covered hills and a frozen water body strewn with plastic bottles and other garbage, highlighting how even remote and sacred landscapes are not spared from pollution.
Posting the video on Instagram, Kaswan questioned the popular idea that “the hills are calling”, pointing instead to the visible human footprint left behind by visitors. “Do you really think hills are calling us? This is the view from Manimahesh Yatra, HP. Even at 13,000 feet, we are leaving our marks,” he wrote, tagging environmental organisation Healing Himalayas and conservationist Pradeep Sangwan to draw attention to the issue.
Manimahesh Lake, located at the base of the Kailash Peak at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, is among the most revered pilgrimage sites in Himachal Pradesh. Thousands of devotees undertake the challenging yatra every year to take a ritual dip in the holy waters, as Lord Shiva is believed to be the presiding deity of the site. The visuals from the pilgrimage route, however, stand in stark contrast to the spiritual significance of the place.
The video triggered a strong reaction online, with users expressing anger and disappointment over the lack of civic sense among tourists and pilgrims. Many comments called for environmental awareness and civic responsibility to be taught more seriously from a young age, while others blamed overtourism for accelerating damage to fragile mountain ecosystems. Several users remarked that development and infrastructure alone cannot compensate for careless behaviour towards nature.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that high-altitude regions like the Himalayas are extremely sensitive. Waste left behind in such cold environments decomposes very slowly, contaminates water sources, threatens wildlife and permanently scars the landscape. Plastic waste, in particular, poses a long-term hazard, often remaining trapped in the ecosystem for decades.
The incident has once again brought responsible tourism into focus. Forest officials and conservation groups continue to urge travellers and pilgrims to minimise waste, carry back everything they bring, and respect the ecological limits of mountain regions. As footfall to Himalayan destinations continues to rise, the images from Manimahesh serve as a reminder that reverence for nature must extend beyond words and slogans.
The mountains may inspire awe and devotion, but the message from the hills is unmistakable: protecting these fragile landscapes is not optional it is a shared responsibility.