Bilal Bashir Bhat | Onlykashmir.in News Desk
In a striking display of civic responsibility and communal harmony, a group of young volunteers in Srinagar undertook a cleanliness drive along the historic Shankaracharya Temple hill trek, removing nearly 100 kilograms of waste from one of the city’s most visited spiritual and tourist routes.
The initiative organised by the youth-led collective Support Wings, saw 15 volunteers dedicate their day to clearing litter scattered across the hillside pathway leading to the revered Shankaracharya Temple. Plastic bottles, food wrappers, disposable containers, and other non-biodegradable waste were collected during the drive, restoring a sense of cleanliness and serenity to the route frequented by pilgrims, trekkers, and tourists alike.
The campaign not only highlighted growing environmental concerns linked to irresponsible tourism and littering but also projected a powerful image of social unity in Kashmir, where young people from different communities joined hands for a common civic cause. Observers described the initiative as a refreshing example of how grassroots youth engagement can contribute meaningfully to environmental preservation and public awareness.
Speaking about the effort, Support Wings founder Tanishq Agrawal said the objective was to encourage young people to lead through action and inspire a stronger culture of responsibility towards public spaces.
“We want youth to become ambassadors of change by setting examples that encourage others to care for their surroundings,” he said.
Participants involved in the drive said the initiative was not merely about collecting waste but also about sending a broader message about environmental stewardship, civic ethics, and collective ownership of shared spaces.
The cleanup campaign comes amid littering continuing to pose challenges across several tourist destinations in the Valley, such volunteer-led initiatives are increasingly being viewed as essential models for community-driven environmental action.
