Himbumail Impact: After Trash Crisis Report in Keylong, Spiti Now Distributes Eco-Friendly Cotton Bags to Tourists
Sumdo (Spiti), June 1, 2025 — After Himbumail News highlighted the growing trash crisis in Keylong, Lahaul, the district administration has swung into action — and the results are now visible on the ground.
Following the successful rollout of an eco-friendly initiative in Lahaul on May 16, authorities have now extended the program to the Spiti Valley as well.
On May 31, officials formally launched the cotton bag distribution drive at Sumdo, the entry point of Spiti, aiming to reduce littering by tourists.
Under this initiative, every tourist entering Lahaul-Spiti is being handed a reusable cotton bag to collect their solid waste during their trip.
These filled bags will be collected upon the tourists' return and sent for recycling — a system that has already been put in place.
The move comes in response to concerns raised by Himbumail's ground report earlier this month, which exposed how unmanaged tourist waste was piling up in scenic spots like Keylong, turning pristine landscapes into garbage dumps.
Lahaul-Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana took note of the issue and pushed for a sustainable solution, leading to the swift rollout of this eco-friendly initiative.
“We are committed to keeping our fragile ecosystem clean. Tourists are welcome, but they must also take responsibility. This initiative is a step in that direction,” she said.
The district administration believes that with public cooperation, Lahaul-Spiti can become a model for responsible mountain tourism. Officials also hinted that more steps are on the way to strengthen waste segregation and recycling efforts at the village level.
This marks a major win for community journalism and public accountability — a clear case where local reporting sparked real action.
