Uttarakhand: Tourists leave trash in Auli after skiing championship, 13 quintals of plastic waste collected

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Auli (Chamoli): The scenic slopes of Auli, famous for skiing and winter tourism, were left littered with plastic waste after the National Skiing Championship and Winter Carnival held from February 13 to 16.

More than 15,000 visitors attended the event, but the garbage left behind tarnished the beauty of this popular destination.

Cleanup campaign launched

To restore Auli’s charm, the Winter Games Association of Uttarakhand and the Jyotirmath Municipality launched a cleanliness campaign. Volunteers and municipal workers began collecting plastic waste scattered across the snowy slopes, including the Nanda Devi slope and the old slope near Tower No. 10.

Ajay Bhatt, co-secretary of the association, said that the cleanup work has started in full swing. The Jyotirmath Municipal Council is actively cooperating in the campaign.

13 quintals of waste removed

So far, about 13 quintals of plastic waste have been collected and transported to the municipality’s MRF (Material Recovery Facility) center. Municipal Chairperson Deveshwari Shah confirmed that waste from the entire Auli area is being safely transported to Jyotirmath for proper disposal.

Officials emphasized that the campaign is not just about cleaning but also about raising awareness among tourists to keep Auli clean.

Tourism and environment

Auli is one of Uttarakhand’s most famous tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every winter for skiing and snow sports. However, the increasing plastic waste problem threatens its natural beauty and environment. Local authorities believe that maintaining cleanliness is essential to preserve Auli’s reputation as a world-class skiing destination.

Plastic waste in snowy regions can harm wildlife and water sources

Environmentalists also warn that plastic waste in snowy regions can harm wildlife and pollute water sources when snow melts. The cleanup drive is therefore seen as a crucial step toward protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas.

While events like the skiing championship bring excitement and visitors, they also leave behind challenges. Authorities are determined to continue the cleanup and ensure that Auli remains a pristine destination for future tourists.