'No More Viral Reels': Chopal Cracks Down to Save Churdhar's Sanctity as Garbage and Social Media Craze Threaten Sacred Shrine. Mind your garbage while trekking to Choorhdhar
SHIMLA, JULY 3: As thousands of devotees continue to throng the revered Churdhar shrine during the annual pilgrimage, the Chopal administration has drawn a firm red line against the growing culture of "viral tourism." The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chopal, has imposed a complete ban on photography and the making of reels inside the Churdhar Shiv Temple, saying the sanctity of the centuries-old shrine cannot be reduced to a backdrop for social media content.
The order follows a flood of reels and videos uploaded by pilgrims, several of which were found to be in poor taste and inconsistent with the religious dignity of the shrine.
Officials said the race for online likes and followers was not only triggering unnecessary controversies but also distorting the image of one of Himachal Pradesh's holiest pilgrimage centres.
The administration's concern extends beyond social media. The annual pilgrimage has also exposed the mounting environmental cost of the rush to Churdhar.
Garbage, including plastic bottles, disposable plates, food wrappers and other litter, has been accumulating at the base camps and at several points along the trekking route from both the Nohradhar side in Sirmaur district and the Chopal side in Shimla district.
Officials pointed out that litter left behind by pilgrims, tent operators, pony owners and roadside vendors is steadily eroding the pristine beauty of the Himalayan trail.
The administration has directed all stakeholders to maintain strict cleanliness and ensure that no waste is dumped on the route.
Pilgrims have been urged to carry back their own trash and respect the fragile mountain ecosystem.
Tent operators, vendors and pony owners have also been warned to dispose of waste responsibly and keep the trekking route clean.
With the pilgrimage at its peak, the administration has made it clear that Churdhar is a sacred abode of Lord Shiva—not a social media studio.
Officials said preserving the shrine's spiritual character and protecting its fragile environment are collective responsibilities that demand discipline from every visitor.
