Patnitop : On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa, a comprehensive behavioural change campaign under the Clean Himalayan and Hill Cities Initiative was officially launched Monday at the tourist resort Patnitop.
The grand launch event was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh in presence of IAS Probationer Dr ShagunSingh, SDM Chenani, Dr Ranjeet Singh Kotwal, Tehsildar Chenani Pankaj Singh and Accounts Officer Patnitop Development Authority Ashok Gupta, senior officials and representatives from other line departments, marking a coordinated administrative effort toward environmental sustainability in the region.
The launch was followed by a comprehensive Stakeholders Conference that witnessed enthusiastic participation from local hoteliers, shopkeepers, pony wallas and taxi operators.
During the conference, stakeholders were given detailed insights into the scope, goals and implementation strategy of the Behavioural Change Campaign under the Clean Himalayan and Hill Cities Initiative (CHHCI) tailored specifically for Patnitop. The project focuses on fostering sustainable solid waste management practices, eliminating single use plastics, enforcing strict source segregation of garbage and cultivating a sense of collective eco responsibility among both the local business community and visiting tourists.
The officials highlighted that the primary objective of CHHCI is to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem by shifting public habits through active community engagement, capacity building and regular field campaigns. The objective of the Clean Himalaya & Green Initiative is to protect the Himalayan environment through cleanliness, afforestation, responsible waste management, water conservation and active public participation, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
As part of the launch event, a mega cleanliness drive was also held at the Patnitop Meadow, in which all departmental officers and officials along with local stakeholders actively participated to clear litter and set an immediate example of community action.
It was officially announced during the event that a structured, day to day schedule of awareness drives, monitoring activities and cleanliness initiatives has been formulated, which shall continue uninterrupted up to August 15, 2026. Under this daily roadmap, dedicated teams will conduct door to door awareness in commercial hubs, train service providers like pony wallas, Hospitality staff on trail sanitation and ensure strict compliance with waste disposal guidelines.
The district administration appealed to all commercial establishments, local unions and visitors to extend complete cooperation to ensure Patnitop emerges as a national benchmark for clean and sustainable hill station tourism.
