MANANG: A targeted cleanup campaign was recently carried out along the Thorong La section of the Annapurna Circuit, one of the most challenging and high-risk trekking routes in the world.
The effort focused on the stretch between Tanki Manang and the Thorong La Pass — the highest and most dangerous part of the famed trail.
According to Dhana Bahadur Bhujel, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Manang, non-biodegradable waste that had accumulated over the years was collected and managed as part of the initiative.
“This type of waste doesn’t decompose easily and has long-term effects on the fragile mountain environment, including its contribution to climate change,” Bhujel said.
The Tourism Management Subcommittee of Tanki Manang reported that 65 sacks of waste were collected during the campaign.
The cleanup was strategically timed during the off-season, when fewer tourists are on the trail, making the operation easier and safer. The initiative was jointly organized by ACAP and the local tourism subcommittee.
The Thorong La section is widely known for its altitude and exposure, and with waste becoming a recurring issue, locals say regular cleanups are essential to preserving the trail’s environmental integrity.
Comment