Cleanliness drive intensified on Kedarnath route amid ongoing pilgrimage
Rudraprayag, May 19
The Rudraprayag district administration has intensified its cleanliness drive along the Kedarnath pilgrimage route, collecting around 25 tonnes of waste so far to maintain hygiene and ensure an eco-friendly yatra, officials said on Monday.
According to the Rudraprayag district administration, sanitation workers are continuously carrying out cleaning operations from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham during the ongoing pilgrimage. Waste spread across the trekking route and temple premises is being regularly collected and disposed of through scientific methods.
Officials said around 25 tonnes of waste have been collected so far. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste scattered along the route is being segregated separately to maintain cleanliness and protect the environment. Plastic waste is also being sent for recycling. The administration said the campaign to keep the Kedarnath Yatra clean and eco-friendly will continue.
Meanwhile, Rudraprayag DM Vishal Mishra stated that more than 50 tonnes of waste have been collected through the Deposit Refund System.
"A Deposit Refund System is currently operational here; under this system, individuals deposit waste and subsequently receive a refund. I am pleased to note that, to date, more than 50 tons of waste have been collected through this initiative...Our objective is to ensure a superior standard of cleanliness throughout the pilgrimage season, facilitate the scientific disposal of all collected waste, and actively monitor the entire process."
Mishra further said on Monday that a large number of devotees have already visited the shrine and crowd management arrangements have been strengthened.
"Around 6.05 lakh people have already offered prayers during the Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage, and the numbers are expected to rise," Mishra said.
He said additional arrangements have been put in place to manage the rising footfall, including the appointment of a dedicated CO-rank officer and deployment of sector officers and SDMs for crowd control.
"Dedicated officers holding the rank of CO (Circle Officer) have been appointed who will oversee the entire crowd management operation. In addition to this, our Sector Officers and our SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) have also been deputed to the site," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step but 50 tonnes is still too much waste. The real issue is that many pilgrims still litter without thinking. We need better awareness campaigns before people start the yatra, not just cleaning up afterwards. Also, more dustbins along the route would help. Let's hope this continues throughout the season and doesn't become just a token effort.
Finally some proper planning! The deposit refund system is actually brilliant - people will think twice before throwing garbage if they know they'll lose money. 6.05 lakh devotees already is huge number, so crowd management is equally important. Hope the CO-rank officers make a difference in controlling the rush. Kudos to DM Vishal Mishra for this initiative.
Impressive effort from the local administration. I visited Kedarnath last year and the amount of plastic waste along the trail was heartbreaking. This scientific disposal and recycling approach is exactly what's needed. The deposit refund system seems innovative - does it work like a bottle deposit scheme? Would love to see this model adopted in other pilgrimage sites across India.
It's good that they are cleaning but why can't we as devotees be more responsible? 🥺 25 tonnes of waste from just one route is shocking. We go to seek blessings from Baba Kedarnath but end up polluting His abode. Every pilgrim should carry a small bag for their own waste. Let's make this a zero-waste yatra by next year! Har Har Mahadev! 🔱
Appreciate the effort but honestly, 25 tonnes is just the tip of the iceberg
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