Clean Himalaya is a comprehensive and holistic solid waste management project. It was started in the year 2000 by Jitendra Kumar and other students of spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen in the Laksman Jhula/Tapovan area of Rishikesh. It began as a devotional response to the natural beauty and sanctity of the Ganga and Himalayas which were being desecrated by the careless littering of garbage on the hillsides, streets and ravines.

What started as the voluntary concern of a few individuals is now a growing operation with seven hired workers, serving over 150 ashrams, guest houses, restaurants and households in the area. Clean Himalaya also cleans local public places as a service to the community, and offers educational programs to schools and businesses.

Clean Himalaya collecting waste for recycling from a local household

Clean Himalaya’s goal is to continue to expand its operations in the Ganga and Himalaya region, to develop public awareness of the importance of protecting this sacred environment, and to provide an example of working together to serve the unity of all life and its future. For more information see What is Clean Himalaya?

In June 2007, Clean Himalaya won the World Bank IDM Award for Grass Roots Initiatives, and in September 2007 became an official Society or NGO. For more information see World Bank Award

Clean Himalaya manager Jitendra Kumar and worker standing by truck used to carry the recycling; recently purchased with the World Bank Award