MUSTANG: The pristine Himalayan district of Mustang, a major religious and tourist hub, is facing mounting challenges in waste management due to improper garbage disposal by visitors.

Local authorities report that the issues are driven by both domestic and international tourists visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple who fail to use designated disposal areas.

This year has seen a particularly significant surge in Indian tourists compared to previous years.

According to Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairman of Gharpajhong Rural Municipality, the rapid increase in visitors has led to haphazard littering, complicating local cleanup efforts.

Data from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom indicates that nearly 10,000 Indian tourists visit Muktinath daily.

While the high visitor turnout has brought an encouraging economic boost to local hotels and businesses along the highway, the environmental impact is becoming a serious concern.

Authorities noted that pilgrims frequently discard waste carelessly, particularly while taking ritual baths, raising urgent concerns over the degradation of the region’s natural and environmental beauty.