Pradeep Singh: Cycling Crusader Against Plastic Pollution in the Himalaya.
..They pedaled 50000 km and seek to make leap to Mt Everest in 2025...
SHIMLA: As dawn breaks over the serene Himalayan Mountains, Pradeep Singh, a passionate cyclist and environmentalist, readies his gear for another day of his unique mission. Almost everyday.
From Shimla and Manali to Gulmarg and Leh, from Nainital and Mussoorie to Shillong abd Tawang, this young man from Uttar Pradesh has cycled 50,000 km across India.
Pradeep has reached the highland high passes and remote villages of the Himalayas, all to battle a growing menace: plastic pollution.
The Journey Begins
Pradeep's journey started in 2019, fueled by a deep love for nature and a desire to preserve its beauty.
Alongside his friend and fellow environmentalist, Priya, Pradeep embarked on a mission to cycle through all 28 states of India and neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Their goal: to spread awareness about plastic pollution and encourage sustainable practices.
As they pedaled through bustling cities and tranquil villages, they saw firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste.
From rivers choked with discarded bottles to pristine trails littered with non-biodegradable waste, the problem was impossible to ignore.
Pradeep's resolve to make a difference only grew stronger.
A Crusade in the Clouds
Their journey led them to the majestic Himalayas, where the problem of plastic waste is particularly severe where NGOs like IMI, SDC Foundation and and many others are at war with the plastic pollution in states like Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Despite the remote and rugged terrain, plastic pollution has reached even the highest peaks thanks to backpackers and mass tourists.
According to the State Pollution Control Boards, the Himalayan region generates around 9,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually.
This waste often ends up in fragile mountain ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife, polluting water sources, and marring the natural beauty that attracts tourists and mountaineers.
Pradeep and Priya focused their efforts on some of the most iconic mountain regions. They started in Uttarakhand, cycling through Mussoorie, Nainital, and Rishikesh, where they collected 4 tons of plastic waste.
In Himachal Pradesh, they targeted popular spots like Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, gathering 5 tons of waste and conducting workshops in local schools.
Their journey continued to Sikkim, where the lush landscapes of Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake, and Yuksom were marred by plastic debris.
Here, they collected 3 tons of waste and distributed reusable bags to local residents. In Jammu & Kashmir, the pristine beauty of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Leh faced similar challenges.
Pradeep and Priya collected 4 tons of plastic waste and worked with local authorities to establish better waste management systems.
In Arunachal Pradesh, they cycled through Tawang, Ziro, and Itanagar, gathering 2 tons of plastic waste while partnering with local youth groups for clean-up activities.
The steep terrains of Darjeeling in West Bengal added another 2 tons to their tally, as they engaged with tea estates and schools to promote eco-friendly practices.
Meghalaya’s Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Mawlynnong saw Pradeep and Priya collect 1.5 tons of plastic waste, holding public forums to discuss the impacts of plastic pollution.
Their final significant clean-up was in Nagaland, in places like Kohima, Dzükou Valley, and Mokokchung, where they gathered 0.5 tons of waste and encouraged the use of traditional, biodegradable materials.
Impact and Inspiration
Their work has started to bear fruit. In the villages and towns they visited, awareness about plastic pollution has grown. Schools have begun incorporating lessons on environmental stewardship, and local authorities are stepping up efforts to manage waste more effectively.
Inspired by their efforts, local residents have initiated regular clean-up campaigns, significantly reducing plastic waste in key tourist spots.
Their journey also inspired many to join the cause, forming a grassroots movement for a cleaner environment. Communities once indifferent to the litter are now active participants in protecting their surroundings.
During their campaign, they received support from over 200 volunteers, including students, trekkers, and local activists.
A Call to Action
As Pradeep cycles through the Himalayas, he leaves behind more than just tire tracks. He leaves a legacy of hope and action, reminding us all that protecting our planet is a journey we must undertake together.
His story is a powerful testament to the impact one person can have, and a call to action for us all to rethink our relationship with plastic.
For Pradeep and Priya, the road ahead is steep and challenging, but their message is clear: our mountains are worth protecting, and it starts with each of us.
Their next goal is the ultimate challenge: Mount Everest. In 2025, they plan to climb the world’s highest peak and use the expedition to highlight the issue of plastic pollution in high-altitude regions.
By sharing their experiences and encouraging collective action, Pradeep and Priya are making strides toward a cleaner, greener future, one pedal stroke at a time.
