New Delhi, June 4 -- Amid World Environment Day discussions on conservation and sustainability globally, viral videos showing littering and pollution at Himalayan pilgrimage sites have sparked criticism online. It has also renewed concerns over the environmental impact of rising spiritual tourism in India.

More than 45.31 lakh devotees have registered so far for the annual Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra, according to official data. Videos shared online in recent days show heaps of garbage near destinations such as Badrinath and Yamunotri, highlighting the need for stronger waste-management measures at ecologically sensitive sites. Some viral clips allegedly show tourists throwing waste into water bodies, washing dirty clothes in sacre...