Just in case you were not aware, Manimahesh is the name of a holy peak (circa 5500 metres) in the Manimahesh range, which runs between Dhauladhars and the Pir Panjals, roughly perpendicular to both. Its also the name of a high glacial lake, just beside the peak at 4200 metres. Its one of the 7 Kailash mountains in the Himalayas. Being a Kailash, its highly revered by devotees of Lord Shiva. Every August, a huge pilgrimage fair is held at the lake. If you have not already clicked on the wikipedia links above, do so now so you can see how beautiful it is. Also do some google search for more photographs and see the beauty. None of this is surprising. Mountains at that height in the Himalayas are supposed to be enchanting, magical and captivating. I also partly understand why the people of the old 'invented' these pilgrimages. Having pilgrimages at such places meant people could always stay in touch with the pristine beauty of nature and stay in good health going there. It was supposed to be the recipe of a healthy lifestyle, both physical and spiritual.
In the changed reality of today, a helicopter service operates between Bharmour and Manimahesh, ferrying passengers to and fro from the lake. With a road reaching Hadsar and all the government efforts including making paved/cemented paths, reaching Manimahesh is much easier. The result is a flood of approx 900,000 people hit Manimahesh in August last year, had a bath at the lake, paid their obesiance to the Lord and went back to their homes satisfied that they had done their duty to the god. And this is what they left behind.
Some offering for the god!! I dont know what the god thinks of this when he looks at it. Also mind you, these photos do no justice to the filth around. There is much more than the photos show. Lots of it has already been washed down by rain and snow into stream slopes. Much more lies buried from years earlier. Still much more is expected this year. I am not sure how the administration and the government plan to tackle this or if they plan to tackle this at all. Remember, this is mostly plastic at 4200 metres above sea level. This will never degenerate. The only way out is to start picking this up and send this off for recycling.
Enough of crying aloud at what is wrong. Now for the solution. Jodie Underhill, of The Mountain Cleaners is planning to undertake a large scale project for cleaning up Manimahesh and the area around. She will need volunteers, funds and lots of other stuff. Hopefully, the government will pitch in as well. Meanwhile, if you happen to read this and think the mountains should not look like this, please help in any of the following ways:
1. Offer to volunteer yourself, either at Triund or Manimahesh - write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit their facebook profile.
2. If you cant do 1 because you are time or location constrained, pass this message to friends who you think could be interested or could contribute in some way.
3. Suggest ways of educating local, tourist and pilgrim populations better.
