Govind Tekale
A video showing a foreign tourist quietly picking up plastic waste near Bhagsunag waterfall in Himachal Pradesh has captured public attention, amassing over 4.4 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The clip, which shows the visitor methodically collecting trash while locals stand by watching, has ignited a nationwide conversation about civic responsibility at tourist destinations.
The incident occurred at Bhagsunag waterfall near McLeod Ganj, approximately 2 km from Dharamshala – a popular pilgrimage and trekking location known for its natural beauty and centuries-old temple.
In the viral footage, the tourist, dressed simply in a towel, can be seen gathering discarded plastic wrappers and bottles strewn across the waterfall area. When approached, he reportedly stated, “Maybe if I have a free day, I will sit and tell people.” Some social media users claimed he had been cleaning for multiple days, though the tourist did not confirm this in the video.
The video has prompted strong reactions across social media platforms. “It’s not the government… Indians are the problem,” commented one user, while another wrote, “Civic sense is zero amongst us.” Many expressed embarrassment that it took a foreign visitor to address the litter problem at one of Himachal’s natural attractions.
This incident comes amid record tourism numbers for the region. Himachal Pradesh welcomed over 1 crore visitors in the first half of 2024, with Kangra district alone receiving 2.8 lakh domestic and 26,195 foreign tourists – the highest since the COVID pandemic. Tourism supports a significant portion of local employment in Kangra district, making environmental preservation crucial for the local economy.
The waste management challenge in Himachal is substantial. Kangra district generated 417 tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste in 2021, up from 304 TPD in 2011. If current trends continue, this figure is projected to reach 551 TPD by 2031. The broader Indian Himalayan Region now produces 5-8 million metric tons of waste annually.
Several regulations aim to address this problem. Under Himachal’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, polythene bags below 50 microns are prohibited, with violators facing fines of ₹500-1,000. The National Green Tribunal has also mandated vehicle quotas and required mobile toilets along popular routes like Manali-Leh to reduce environmental impact.
Local organizations have been working to combat the issue for years. Waste Warriors, an NGO founded by Jodie Underhill, has removed over 4,223 tonnes of waste from Bhagsunag and Triund since 2012. Their efforts include waste segregation training for villagers, monthly “plastic hunts,” and educational outreach in schools.
This isn’t the first such incident in Himachal. In June 2025, a similar video from Lapas waterfall in Barot Valley showed tourists discarding bottles and wrappers, triggering comparable public outcry.
Recent government initiatives suggest growing awareness of the problem. In February 2025, the Himachal Tourism Department announced plans to install 500+ solar-powered bins across key sites including Bhagsunag waterfall. The Forest Minister reportedly proposed a “Tourist Civic Sense” campaign in July 2025, and the local Panchayat is said to be discussing trial fines of ₹1,000 for littering at Bhagsunag starting August 2025.
Environmental experts recommend tourists follow “Leave No Trace” principles (“pack it in, pack it out”), aligning with India’s Swachh Bharat Mission goals. As visitor numbers continue to climb, balancing tourism growth with environmental preservation remains a critical challenge for Himachal’s natural attractions.
The viral video serves as a stark reminder that maintaining these pristine locations requires individual responsibility – a message that resonates strongly as viewers consider who should really be picking up the trash.
