In a viral video making rounds on social media, a foreign tourist was seen picking up trash at a scenic waterfall spot in Himachal Pradesh. The incident sparked a wave of discussions online, especially after actor and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut reacted by calling the act “shameful.” This incident has once again highlighted the persistent issue of littering in Indian tourist destinations and the lack of civic responsibility among some visitors.
The Viral Video Incident
The video, widely shared on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), shows a foreign man collecting garbage scattered near a waterfall in Himachal Pradesh. While several Indian tourists in the background were busy enjoying the view, the foreign tourist was seen bending down to collect plastic wrappers and bottles. After filling his hands with trash, he walked towards a bin and disposed of it.
In the video, he remarked:
“Maybe if I have a free day, I sit up here and watch and tell people, ‘Pick this up.’ I’ve no problem telling someone.”
His gesture earned praise from many netizens, but also triggered embarrassment among Indians who felt this should have been done by the very people who created the mess.
Kangana Ranaut’s Reaction
Kangana Ranaut, who represents the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh, shared the clip on her Instagram Stories. She captioned it with a single word — “Shameful.”
Being a native of Himachal, Kangana has often voiced concerns over environmental degradation in hill stations. This reaction reflects her disappointment over tourists’ negligence towards nature and the image of India in the eyes of foreigners.
Public Response and Online Debate
The video sparked strong reactions online. Many users expressed frustration over the lack of civic sense among certain Indian tourists.
Some notable comments included:
- “We need a generational shift in mindset. Teach children not to litter. I’ve seen parents telling their kids to throw trash out of the car.”
- “Foreign tourists are often more sensitive about cleanliness than our own people.”
- “How embarrassing! People should pick up after themselves. Can’t believe others need to remind them about basic cleanliness.”
A few even pointed out that Indian tourists are often criticised abroad for similar behaviour, making this an issue of global reputation as well.
The Larger Issue: Littering in Tourist Spots
Littering is not a new problem in India’s tourist hubs. Be it hill stations, beaches, or heritage sites, the accumulation of waste due to careless visitors has been a recurring challenge.
In Himachal Pradesh, which thrives on tourism, the influx of travellers brings economic benefits but also strains the local ecosystem. Plastic waste, in particular, harms wildlife, pollutes rivers, and mars the beauty of pristine locations.
Government authorities and NGOs regularly conduct clean-up drives, but without public participation and awareness, these efforts have limited long-term impact.
Civic Responsibility and Cultural Perception
The incident also opens up a conversation about civic responsibility and cultural perception. When foreigners take the lead in cleaning up our tourist spots, it raises uncomfortable questions about national pride and personal responsibility.
Such acts by foreign visitors may inspire some Indians to be more mindful, but they also risk reinforcing negative stereotypes about Indian tourists’ lack of cleanliness. This is why behavioural change, starting at home and in schools, is essential.
Kangana’s Call for Awareness
Though Kangana Ranaut’s reaction was brief, it was impactful. By labeling the incident as “shameful,” she indirectly called for greater awareness and action from both tourists and locals.
As a public figure and elected representative, Kangana’s acknowledgment of the issue may push local authorities to step up anti-littering campaigns and stricter enforcement of cleanliness norms in tourist-heavy areas.
The viral video of a foreign tourist picking up trash in Himachal Pradesh is more than just a fleeting social media moment. It’s a mirror held up to our collective behaviour as travellers and citizens. Kangana Ranaut’s “shameful” remark is a reminder that keeping our environment clean is not just the government’s job—it’s a shared responsibility. If India wants to maintain its image as a hospitable and beautiful travel destination, it’s time to blend tourism with responsibility. After all, the true beauty of a place lies not just in its scenery, but in how well we preserve it.
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