Keylong (Himachal Pradesh), Aug 13 (UNI) The Keylong Tribal Festival has emerged as a beacon of sustainable tourism in Lahaul-Spiti, adopting a zero-waste approach at a time when the region faces mounting environmental pressure.

The surge in tourist footfall following the opening of the Atal Rohtang Tunnel has brought significant economic benefits to the district, boosting local livelihoods through hospitality, transport, and handicraft sales.

However, the influx has also resulted in increased waste generation, vehicular pollution, and stress on fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh High Court have taken note of these environmental challenges. The courts have stressed the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices to safeguard the region’s unique biodiversity and delicate landscapes.

Against this backdrop, the eco-conscious organisation of the Keylong Tribal Festival offers a timely case study in balancing development with environmental stewardship. From banning single-use plastics to ensuring proper waste segregation and promoting reusable materials, the festival’s measures have demonstrated that large-scale public events can be conducted without leaving behind an ecological burden.

Local organisers and environmental activists believe that such initiatives could set a precedent for other tourist hubs in Himachal Pradesh. “If festivals can adopt such models, there is no reason why hotels, transport services, and adventure operators cannot follow suit,” said one local volunteer.

As Lahaul-Spiti navigates the challenges of its tourism-driven growth, the Keylong Tribal Festival’s success underscores the potential for community-led, eco-friendly initiatives to protect the Himalayas for generations to come.

UNI ML PRS