Haridwar, Uttarakhand – As the annual Kanwar Yatra concluded, authorities in Haridwar find themselves facing a massive cleanup challenge with an estimated 30,000 tonnes of garbage strewn across the city. The pilgrimage drew a record-breaking 40 million devotees who had flocked to the holy city to fetch the sacred waters of the Ganga for offerings at local temples.
Ganga Ghats, markets, parking lots, and roads have become littered with garbage over a 42-kilometer stretch from Har-ki-Pauri. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation has initiated round-the-clock cleaning operations, but officials warn that it may take several weeks to fully restore cleanliness to the city.
Dayanand Saraswati, the municipal town commissioner, explained the scale of the cleanup effort, stating, “We have increased the number of workers to 600 for the time-bound cleaning. We have also started spraying insecticides and fogging in the mela area.” Despite these efforts, the magnitude of the waste accumulation poses a significant challenge.
During normal circumstances, Haridwar generates 200-300 metric tonnes of waste daily. However, during events like the Kanwar Yatra and other festivals, this figure escalates to 500-2000 tonnes. Additionally, a seven-day spell of heavy rain during the Yatra further impeded garbage collection and disposal.
To tackle the mounting waste crisis, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation has deployed 40 additional garbage transportation vehicles, bringing the total count to 140. Senior police superintendent Ajay Singh and hundreds of police personnel also participated in a cleaning drive at Haridwar’s Vishnu Ghat.
Religious leaders have voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the pilgrimage. Mahamandaleshwar Hari Chetnanand Maharaj of Udasin Akhada emphasized that a successful pilgrimage should not involve polluting the sacred Ganga, ghats, or places of worship. Ujjwal Pundit, a local priest, called for increased awareness among pilgrims and tourists to ensure a clean Ganga and Haridwar.
Environmental activist Anoop Nautiyal called for a comprehensive approach to address the waste management challenges associated with the influx of over 40 million pilgrims. He stressed the importance of long-term planning, involving NGOs and waste management experts, to tackle the issue effectively and prevent the pollution of the holy river and city.
As authorities work tirelessly to clear the staggering amount of garbage, it serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable waste management practices and greater awareness among visitors to preserve the sanctity of Haridwar and the sacred Ganga.
Sources By Agencies
