Munish Sood
Kasol: Once a poster destination for global backpackers and Israeli tourists, Kasol in Himachal Pradesh is now earning notoriety for the very thing it once rejected — urban-style pollution, unchecked tourism, and administrative apathy. The so-called “Mini Israel” is grappling with a full-blown garbage disaster, with environmental degradation and a massive dent to its tourism image now in full public view.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage, Exposes Administrative Failure
A recent viral video uploaded by a YouTuber exposed disturbing scenes from the Kasol-Grahan road — mounds of unattended garbage lining forested areas, pigs rummaging through waste, and a thick stench polluting the once-crisp mountain air. The video has not only embarrassed the local administration but has triggered concerns from environmentalists and tourism stakeholders.
“First They Dumped Waste in Forests, Then Buried It in a Sanctuary”: Aman Sood
Prominent hotelier, social activist, and environmentalist Aman Sood minced no words when reacting to the crisis.
“First, SADA dumped garbage illegally inside the forest — poisoning water sources, killing over 40 to 50 green trees, and spreading foul odor across Kasol. Now that they were caught, they’ve buried the waste inside a Wildlife Sanctuary. One mistake followed by a bigger crime — who will take responsibility for this?” asked Sood.
He added that the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), which collects lakhs of rupees annually from tourists as entry fee, has failed in its most basic duty: maintaining cleanliness and protecting the fragile ecosystem.
“The SADA tax collected at Kasol’s entry barrier is supposed to go into local development. But looking at the condition of our forests and roads, one has to ask — where is that money going? The funds meant to preserve Kasol’s charm are being misused or ignored completely,” Sood alleged.
Trees Dying, Tourism Suffering
According to local sources and environmental observers, the garbage — mainly waste from hotels and eateries — had been dumped in the dense deodar forests for the past 2–3 years. The result: drying of dozens of trees, contamination of natural water sources, and a steep decline in Kasol’s appeal among responsible tourists.
Several hoteliers and homestay owners have already reported cancellations, citing health and hygiene concerns from incoming guests.
“Tourism is our backbone. When that breaks, so does the local economy. If this isn’t addressed immediately, Kasol’s future as a tourist destination is in jeopardy,” said a member of the Kullu Hotel Association, requesting anonymity.
Authorities Wake Up Late, Act Under Pressure
After the public outrage, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish announced that work had begun to clean up the garbage and that waste is now being transported to a cement plant for processing. She also confirmed that the central government has approved the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Manikaran Valley with scientific waste management systems, in collaboration with the NGO Healing Himalayas.
The project is expected to be completed within six months.
However, environmentalists are skeptical.
“This is classic damage control. The clean-up only started after the video went viral. Had the administration acted earlier, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” said Aman Sood.
Final Word: Can Kasol Be Saved?
With its reputation damaged, environment degraded, and tourism suffering, Kasol stands at a crossroads. What was once a symbol of eco-tourism and Himalayan serenity has now become a case study in how neglect can destroy natural heritage.
Calls for accountability are growing louder.
“The question is not whether cleanup will happen — the question is who let this happen, and will anyone be held accountable? If not now, then when?” said Aman Sood, as he demanded an independent environmental audit and financial transparency from SADA.
