Himalayan Tribe Foundation conducts cleanup drive on Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra route

MANDI: The Himalayan Tribe Foundation conducted a cleanup drive during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra. This initiative saw active participation from 40 to 45 young volunteers, eager to contribute to the foundation’s mission of creating a plastic-free environment.

The Himalayan Tribe Foundation has been organising cleanup drives in the Kinnaur and Rampur regions for several years, focusing on various sacred and tourist spots such as Kinnar Kailash, Yula Kande and Shrikhand Mahadev. The foundation’s primary goal is not just to clean these areas but to spread awareness about minimising plastic use in remote and pristine locations.

Foundation head RP Negi Yullam emphasised, “Our aim isn’t merely cleanliness; it’s to send out a message that in remote areas, whether sacred or touristic, people should carry as little plastic as possible and take back whatever they bring.”

This year’s drive was supported by Pankaj Parmar, Chairman of the District Council, who has been actively participating in the cleanup efforts along with the team. The drive also received support from the local administration, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Nirmand. The campaign was led by key figures such as SP Negi, the founder of Himalayan Tribe Foundation, along with Sujal Chauhan and Sonu from the group.

SP Negi, a lawyer and the sarpanch of Nathpa panchayat, is involved in social service initiatives through the foundation, which focuses on blood donation, plantation and cleanup drives.

Despite the lack of a website or sponsors, the foundation has been actively working towards its goals. SP Negi stated that the foundation is currently self-funded, with members pooling resources to sustain its activities. He expressed an urgent need for sponsors to achieve their objective of completely removing plastic waste from remote areas.

The foundation’s efforts have not only contributed to the physical cleanup of sacred and tourist sites but have also played a crucial role in educating the public about environmental conservation. As the foundation continues to work towards a cleaner environment, it calls for more community participation and support to ensure the preservation of these pristine locations for future generations.

This cleanup drive serves as a reminder of the growing need to protect our natural environments, especially as the consequences of neglecting these areas could be dire. The foundation hopes that by spreading this message, more people will join the cause and work towards a sustainable and cleaner future.