From paradise to landfill? Viral video shows famous Himachal Pradesh hill station turned into a garbage dump

Once hailed as the “Pride of Himachal,” Kasol, a picturesque village nestled in the Parvati Valley, has become the centre of a disheartening conversation. Often sought out by backpackers and nature lovers for its pristine landscapes and laid-back vibe, this Himalayan haven is now trending online for all the wrong reasons. Viral videos circulating on social media platform X have painted a disturbing picture of unchecked pollution, exposing large mounds of garbage dumped across forest areas once celebrated for their natural serenity. As the mountains draw bigger crowds each year, preserving their charm has become more than just a wish, it’s a necessity.

The clips show alarming visuals: plastic bags, empty bottles, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste scattered across lush green patches. What should have been a quiet retreat into nature now resembles a neglected landfill. The situation has reignited urgent calls for better environmental policies, on-ground enforcement, and awareness campaigns.

Outraged citizens have taken to social media to vent their frustration, not just at irresponsible tourists but also at the apparent failure of local authorities to enforce basic waste management protocols. Many netizens questioned the very purpose of the “green tax” tourists pay upon entering Himachal Pradesh, wondering where that money actually goes.

When you enter Himachal, you pay a green tax in the name of nature conservation — and this is what the government and administration do with those crores: openly dumping garbage in forests and near rivers. Welcome to Kasol, an international tourist hub turning into a dump! pic.twitter.com/DUoOIKthBP

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) May 27, 2025

One user pointed to the hypocrisy, writing that a degree doesn’t equal education, especially when tourists leave behind a trail of filth. Another sharply criticised the state’s administration, calling them out for turning an international tourist hub into a dumping ground. Some lamented the decline of responsible tourism, noting that peak summer now brings crowds and chaos to once-serene hill stations.