Microplastics Found in Himachal’s Glacier‑Fed Uhl River, Study Reveals

Researchers sampled water from the Uhl River, a tributary of the Beas that originates in the Himalayan glaciers, and identified microplastic fragments in the samples. The study, which was published in a peer‑reviewed journal, found that the particles ranged from a few micrometers to several millimetres in size. While the exact source of the contamination remains unclear, experts warn that such pollutants can harm aquatic organisms and enter the human food chain.

The presence of microplastics in a remote glacier‑fed river underscores the widespread reach of plastic pollution in India. Environmental groups have called for stricter waste management policies and increased public awareness to curb the influx of plastic debris into freshwater systems.

Local authorities in Himachal Pradesh have pledged to investigate the findings and collaborate with scientific bodies to monitor the river’s health. The study adds to growing evidence that even pristine Himalayan waters are not immune to the global plastic crisis.