Leftovers in trekking routes affecting environment

SHIMLA: Huge quantitities of wastes, comprising polythene bags and other junks, left by tourists in the famous trekking routes in Kullu are affecting the environment in the region, according to experts.

J C Kuniyal, a senior Scientist of Kullu-based office of G B Pant Himalayan, Environment Institute, said that the increasing pollution in Kullu has resulted in the rise of temperature by about 0.9 degree celsius.

He added that impurities in water supply, stunted vegetation and fast rate of melting of glaciers are the other effects of pollution.

During a five-day cleaning up operation in Kullu valley carried by a 25-member team of two city-based institutes, 46 sacks of garbage was recovered.

Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports said that polythene, plastic bottles, tetra packs, tin cans and paper wrappers were found left by tourists and trekkers.

They were strewn in the routes of Solang Nallah, Dhundi, Mailithatch, Bakhaithatch, Beas Kund, mountain camps of Ladhaki peak and friendship park spread across a height of 8134 feet to over 15,000 feet, he said.