Editorial photo #13699743 Environmental Issue

Plastic Pollution In High-altitude Himalayas - Environmental Crisis

Plastic waste is visible in the snow-capped mountains at 13,000 feet in Phadamchen, Sikkim, India, on April 17, 2026. Over 88% of waste in some areas is plastic, primarily from non-recyclable food packaging associated with tourism and local consumption. Microplastics are found in snow, glaciers, and remote lakes, impacting water sources and ecosystems. Despite Sikkim's green policies, plastic pollution remains a significant environmental challenge. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)