‘Rishikesh losing its soul’: Liquor bottles on Ganga banks ignite heated online debate

A photo of empty liquor bottles in Rishikesh has triggered a heated debate on the impact of unchecked tourism in the holy town. Rishikesh, known for its spiritual heritage and significance in Hinduism, attracts thousands of pilgrims, sages, and travelers every year. However, a recent image showing dozens of discarded liquor bottles on the banks of the Ganga has led to strong reactions online, with some blaming tourists for polluting the sanctity of the town, while others argue that such issues stem from local governance failures rather than tourism itself.

The controversial image was originally shared by The Himadri Foundation on Instagram earlier this month. The post, titled "Rishikesh – The Growing Graveyard of Spirituality," depicted a scene where beer and whiskey bottles were strewn across the riverbank, with a temple visible in the background. The foundation warned that Rishikesh was losing its spiritual essence as more tourists engaged in drinking and smoking near sacred sites. The post lamented the shift from meditative silence to noisy gatherings fueled by alcohol and questioned whether this was what Rishikesh was meant to become.

The image quickly gained traction on social media platforms like X, where opinions remained sharply divided. Critics of mass tourism argued that such incidents reflect a decline in respect for religious sites and called for stricter regulations on alcohol consumption and littering. Many users urged tourists to stay away from Rishikesh altogether, fearing that commercialization was eroding its sacred atmosphere.

On the other hand, several users opposed blaming tourists, stating that locals also contribute to drinking culture and that tourism is essential for Uttarakhand’s economy. A user named Saurabh Sachar pointed out that a sudden drop in tourism would be an economic disaster, as many livelihoods depend on visitors. Another user, Manu, emphasized that liquor is not illegal in India and that blaming only tourists ignored deeper systemic issues in the state.

While opinions differed, some users proposed constructive solutions instead of outright bans. Suggestions included stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws, setting up dedicated tourist police, and improving waste management in key areas. A user named Abhishek highlighted that keeping Rishikesh clean while allowing tourism to flourish is the best long-term approach, rather than discouraging visitors altogether.

As the debate rages on, the incident raises important questions about balancing economic benefits from tourism with preserving the sanctity of religious places. While some see unchecked tourism as a threat, others argue that proper regulation and awareness can ensure that Rishikesh remains both a spiritual haven and a thriving tourist destination.