Empowering Communities in the Himalayas: Waste Warriors’ local heroes in Dharamshala

 The Himalayan region continues to grapple with an under-recognized crisis: mountains of unmanaged solid waste. Despite a relatively low local population, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh attract a massive influx of tourists, generating alarming amounts of waste that harm local ecosystems.

In response, Waste Warriors, a non-profit organization working in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, collaborates with passionate individuals who inspire others and bring about change. Behind the impactful work, we celebrate the people who touch lives and serve as a constant source of inspiration in Dharamshala.

Here, we introduce some remarkable individuals who are actively contributing to restoring Himachal Pradesh’s pristine beauty by addressing the pressing issues of waste management.

Clean-Up Culture

When did the idea of clean-ups take root in Himachal? We posed this question to Vikas, a dedicated member of the Waste Warriors team who began mobilizing people in 2009. He credits our founder, Jodie Underhill, whose admiration for the state's beauty and concern over its waste crisis sparked weekly clean-up drives in and around Dharamshala.

For Vikas, however, it has been a bittersweet journey. He recalls his early days, disheartened by the lack of local participation in clean-up efforts. Working at a tea shop near Bhagsu Waterfall, he observed the surge of tourists and the mounting waste they left behind. He reflects: "Inside our homes, we ensure no garbage is left lying around. Women in particular are quick to clean up. But when we step outside, the same care is missing. It saddens and angers me to see people littering such a beautiful place."

Culture, as Vikas explains, is a shared responsibility. It’s easy to blame others, but as his story shows, meaningful change starts with individual action.

Inclusivity in Waste Management

Incorporating a gender perspective in waste management is essential for creating inclusive and effective development programs. Deepmala, one of our long-standing green workers, is a shining example of resilience and dedication. Working in partnership with the Municipal Corporation, Deepmala has won the affection and respect of the residents in her ward.

Originally a waste picker in Maharashtra, she has spent over three years in Himachal Pradesh. Despite the challenges of her work, she appreciates the dignity and support she has found. Yet, she hopes her children will not have to face the same societal discrimination she endures. Her story underscores the importance of addressing gender equality and empowering women in the waste management sector.

The Paryavaran Sakhi model by Waste Warriors champions these ideals, combining women’s empowerment with climate action to drive change.

Trash for Education

To explore the intersection of education and environmental activism, we met Tenzin Pelma, an English Resource Teacher at the Tibetan Children's Village in Upper Dharamshala.
"I get paid for teaching, but environmental work is my calling," says Tenzin, who runs a Facebook page called Trash for Education. She repurposes discarded items into teaching tools, such as a chessboard made from sunboard and bookmarks crafted from Tetra Pak cartons.

Inspired by her, students at TCV collect single-use plastics to create eco-bricks, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the planet. Since 2009, guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin has empowered youth to envision and work toward a sustainable future.

Similarly, Baby Guleria, an Anganwadi teacher since 2013, has witnessed the transformative effects of improved waste management in her village. For the past three years, she has partnered with Waste Warriors to establish the Young Warriors Club, where children participate in clean-ups, painting, and upcycling projects. Teaching preschoolers about waste management is a vital step toward fostering lifelong environmental stewardship.

Upcycling to Foster Sustainability

Anita Batsal, Past Chairman of the Inner Wheel Club Dharamshala, has been instrumental in introducing sustainability initiatives. The Inner Wheel Club, an international women’s organization, focuses on education, financial support, and skill-building for women. Inspired by their mission, Anita has started conversations about waste recycling and sustainable practices.

By distributing free cloth bags made from donated fabrics to local vegetable vendors, she is encouraging the community to adopt eco-friendly habits. Small steps like these create ripples of positive change.

Celebrating Local Heroes

The Waste Warriors community thrives on the collective efforts of individuals from diverse backgrounds—be they from quiet villages or bustling cities. These agents of change are the backbone of our solid waste management initiatives, and their stories inspire us to continue building a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more tales of transformation from our journey toward a cleaner, greener Himalayas.