Managing waste is one of the biggest challenges in the mountains. Inefficient management and disposal of solid waste is one of main causes of degradation of the environment in the mountains. Despite repeated orders issued by the Government from time to time on the matter, the use of polythene bags continues unabated. Community participation is vital in carrying out the waste management and disposal with proper and scientific disposal of the civic wastes and total ban on the use of polythenes.It can not be left entirely to thegovernment to deal with increasing quantities ofwaste produced and stacked up in public places. Local communities must support a sustainable waste management system that is associated with environmental, institutional, financial, economic and social sustainability of their habitat.

The Centre plans to work in this area on priority.