Solid Waste Management in the Himalayan Trails and Expedition Summits

Abstract

The leaving behind of self-generated waste by visitors to the trails and expedition areas of the world’s mountains is one of the most adverse features of adventure tourism. This study shows how visitors, host communities and government could reduce waste creation and earn income from waste in various ways. Two case studies representing the Himalayas – one for trekking (in and around the Valley of Flowers: 1830–4330 m) and the other for expeditions (Pindari valley: 2300–5500 m) – have been researched in depth. Visitor inflows during the four months’ annual activity period at both locations ranged from 25,000 in expedition to 116,392 in trekking areas. The per capita per day waste generation varied from 200 to 288 gm in expedition and trekking areas respectively. Non-biodegradable waste dominated biodegradable waste at 66.4% for expedition and 84.5% for trekking areas. The sustainable solid waste management options urgently needed are rejection (of waste-prone commodities), reuse, recycling and biocomposting from a variety of waste compositions that are usually considered valueless and useless by local people, trekkers and mountaineers. A possible scheme of administration is suggested.