Churhdhar/Nauradhar, October 20, 2024: The Pahari Samaj Paryavani Kawach (PSPK) Foundation has accomplished an 8-day cleaning marathon at Churdhar, one of the most breathtaking and spiritual trekking routes in the Shivalik range that leads to an Abode of Lord Shiv located  at 12000 ft.

Assisted by the SJVN Foundation under the CSR, PSPK’s cleanliness and awareness drive  was launched successfully  from October 7 to 11 and again from October 17 to 19, 2024 along the winding  sacred trek.

PSPK’s dedicated team gathered a staggering 400 kg of waste along the 12.5 km Nauradhar-Churdhar trekking route.

PSPK is an NGO engaged in the social work,  dedicated to create awareness about environment  in Himachal Pradesh.    

The story is no different from the trekking route from  Sarahan-Chopal side that winds its way through the Kalabag to the Churhdhar temple.  But it awaits  similar drive from volunteers.  

But the littering isn't just a blight on nature; it's a damning reflection of how trekkers and pilgrims treat this sacred place—completely ignorant of the pollution they leave behind.

This intensive cleaning drive, led by Major General Atul Kaushik, CEO of PSPK, came hot on the heels of the Shant Mahayagya at Churdhar, where over 30,000 devotees swarmed the area on October 11 for the Kurud ceremony at the revamped Shiv Mahadev  Mandir.

The place was mauled. "What was supposed to be a spiritual gathering left a trail of filth, littering the wildlife sanctuary and choking the sacred landscape."

The campaign wasn’t just about picking up garbage; it was a wake-up call.

"We’re not just cleaning; we’re exposing how clueless people are about the impact of their waste. And the sad part? They don’t seem to care," said campaigners.

"We need to hit home with serious awareness campaigns to preserve Churdhar’s sanctity for future generations," said Kaushik

A Wildlife Suffering, Spiritual Site Polluted

Churdhar isn’t just a trekking hotspot—it's a wildlife sanctuary, home to species like pheasants, musk deer, and ghorals, and it’s deeply connected with Lord Shiva and Shirgul Maharaj’s legends.

Yet, despite its importance, it’s being still treated like a dumping ground.

The PSPK campaign, supported by local villagers and Army veterans, saw volunteers haul 400 kg of trash—including plastic bottles, chip packets, and sweet wrappers—down from the peaks to Nauradhar on mule backs.

"The filth collected is only a fraction of the problem," Kaushik said. "Plastic bottles, wrappers, all sorts of junk left by pilgrims and tourists.

And worse? They’re burning the waste at the shrine. Yes, burning it! Right there, at 12,000 feet, turning a holy site into a pollution hazard."

Calls for Immediate Action

In a discussion with Churdeshwar Mandir Seva Samiti office bearer, Joginder Singh, and local Panchayat members, Kaushik laid out an urgent action plan.

 "We need billboards telling visitors to stop littering. We need check points where tourists deposit waste, and no more plastic bottles. We must train local kiosks and guides to enforce cleanliness.", he said.

And that's not all. He raised alarm bells over late-night trekking, particularly by groups of students from Haryana and other places who come here from time time.

"Trekking in the dark is a disaster waiting to happen," Kaushik said, citing not only the risk to life but the disturbance caused to wildlife.

Next Steps to Save Churdhar

This isn’t a one-time gig. PSPK is planning tree plantations along the denuded trekking paths come May-June 2024, with help from the Forest Wildlife Establishment.

Local participation is crucial, and the community has a responsibility to resist the pressures of commercialisation.

Kaushik praised the support from SJVN foundation,  volunteers, Army veterans who worked tirelessly during the campaign, but he wasn’t afraid to point fingers at the lack of proper waste disposal systems.

"Waste is being burnt at Churdhar, Jam Nala, and Theesri. There are bins, but what’s the point if the waste isn’t brought back down? It’s not just an environmental failure—it’s a management disaster," he said.

The Long Road Ahead: Real Change Needed

For now, the PSPK Foundation, with the help of Seva Samiti and local panchayats, plans to put up signboards and push for stricter enforcement of cleanliness rules.

But the path ahead is steep. Kaushik hinted at a broader involvement next year with other NGOs and the local Seva Samiti, pledging: "We will not stop here. We’ll be back with a bigger force to keep this spiritual and natural haven clean."

The drive saw the involvement of seven PSPK members, 30 local volunteers, and even six mules to transport the collected trash. But without proper infrastructure to deal with the waste, such efforts may remain just that—efforts.

"We need systems, we need accountability," Kaushik said. "Otherwise, we’re heading for another tragedy."

Foundation thanked all participants and local bodies for their support, and issued a stark reminder: “If we don’t act now, Churdhar will lose its soul to our indifference.”

And that is a risk no one can afford.

Responses:

We’re launching a waste clearance drive from Mundah Lani to Churdhar and Haldaj Jbbad to Khdach after November 25th, 2024. Volunteers from eight Nambardari of Hambal and students from nearby schools will join hands to clean up these routes.

The goal is to restore the natural beauty of the area and raise awareness about waste management: Suresh Kumar,  Bhandari of Bijjat Maharaj, Sarain, Chopal.    

About PSPK Foundation: 

Founded on 12th August 2022, this NGO is committed to environmental protection and community welfare in Himachal Pradesh.

The foundation promotes sustainable practices, reforestation, water conservation, wildlife protection, and community education. It actively combats deforestation, illegal mining, and forest fires, while also engaging in policy advocacy and youth welfare programs.

With a focus on eco-friendly solutions, the foundation is driven to create a harmonious relationship between nature and local communities.