The Youth Wing of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) successfully carried out a five-day mass cleanliness drive along the Yuksam–Dzongri trekking trail inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khangchendzonga National Park, from December 23 to 27.
The initiative, undertaken as part of the “Clean Himalaya, Green Sikkim” mission envisioned by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), covered the 25-kilometre Yuksam–Dzongri trekking route, one of the most popular trekking corridors in West Sikkim.
The cleanliness drive was conducted under the direction of the Chief Minister and facilitated by SKM Youth Wing State President Shri Lakpa Moktan, with close coordination by State Vice President Shri Naren Shrestha. The initiative was conceptualised by Shri Lakpa Moktan following his recent completion of the five-day Dzongri trek.
A ten-member team, led by the Confidential Assistant to the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Kesher Kumar Khatiwada, actively participated in cleaning multiple campsites and trekking stretches along the route throughout the campaign.
During the drive, around 42 sacks of garbage were collected from various campsites and trail sections. Fifteen ponies (pack animals) were engaged to transport the collected waste down to Yuksam for proper disposal. The waste was systematically segregated, and recyclable materials were sent to the Resource Recovery Centre at Yuksam.
Apart from cleaning activities, the team interacted with trekkers and local stakeholders along the route, spreading awareness about environmental responsibility and the importance of maintaining cleanliness in ecologically sensitive mountain regions. The drive received active support from officials and staff of the Khangchendzonga National Park.
The SKM Youth Wing expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire trekkers, tourism stakeholders, and visitors to adopt responsible and sustainable practices, contributing towards the long-term preservation of the pristine Himalayan environment.
