Haryana native’s himalayan clean-up effort accelerates after PM Modi’s acknowledgement

Pradeep Sangwan, a Haryana native and founder of the Healing Himalayas Foundation, has been on a mission to clean up the waste left behind by tourists in the Himalayas for nearly seven years. Despite struggling to gain traction and support for his initiative, Sangwan found renewed impetus and motivation after his efforts were acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a previous “Mann ki Baat” radio broadcast.
On Sunday, Sangwan had the opportunity to interact with Modi during the 100th episode of the programme, which also featured Sunil Jaglan, another Haryana native and the man behind the ‘Selfie with Daughter’ initiative. During their conversation, Modi recalled discussing the Healing Himalayas campaign during an earlier episode, and asked Sangwan how the campaign was progressing.
Sangwan recounted how they had started on a nervous note, unsure if they would be able to sustain the initiative long-term, as few people were showing interest and support. He even considered giving up at one point. However, after the prime minister mentioned the campaign on “Mann ki Baat” in 2020, several people joined in, providing much-needed momentum.
The prime minister commended Sangwan’s noble work and the growing association between his name and the mountain cleanliness campaign. He also noted that many mountaineers are now sharing photos connected with “swachhta” (cleanliness), reflecting a growing awareness of waste management and environmental protection.
Sangwan shared that, since 2020, they have been able to accomplish in a single year what previously took them five years. They now conduct daily cleaning drives, collecting five tonnes of garbage from different locations, whereas before they only managed six to 10 drives per year. He expressed gratitude for the prime minister’s recognition, which brought their work to the world’s attention.
Three years ago, Sangwan’s foundation set up its first waste collection and sorting unit in Rakcham, near Chitkul in the Kullu district. Since then, four more facilities have been established in Mansari (Kullu), Pooh (Kinnaur), Tabo (Spiti), and Narkanda (Shimla). The foundation collaborates with the Department of Environment, Science and Technology, the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, and the state’s Forest Department to develop these facilities.
Pradeep Sangwan’s unwavering commitment to healing the Himalayas and protecting the environment, bolstered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recognition, has led to the rapid expansion of his campaign. As more individuals and organisations join in, the collective efforts of these environmental champions will continue to promote the message of cleanliness and environmental responsibility throughout the region.