7000 tonnes of garbage: Haridwar readies for “mega clean-up” after Kanwariyas depart
Experts have called for quick disposal of garbage as spectre of worsening pollution, disease looms over Haridwar, a popular pilgrimage for millions
Haridwar is preparing for a massive cleanup operation after the recent "Kanwar Yatra," during which the holy city received an estimated 48 million visitors, surpassing any previous record. The pilgrimage generated over 7000 tonnes of garbage, primarily comprising plastic, clothes, "Kanwars," and non-degradable polythene waste.
The garbage has accumulated in various areas, including the numerous ghats along the Ganga river, markets, access roads, and designated parking lots for vehicles. Municipal officials have deployed hundreds of workers to clear the mess, but the task is expected to take several days as the waste is collected, transported, and disposed of.
Over 1000 sanitation personnel, 100 outsourced workers, and 80 garbage collection vehicles have been deployed to aid in the cleanup. The Haridwar district administration has initiated a "mega cleanliness" drive from August 12 to 18, involving local residents, the saint community, religious organizations, educational institutions, volunteers, and traders. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an apex body of recognized akhadas, has also pledged support for the initiative.
Environmentalists have expressed concerns that the waste generation and improper disposal could worsen pollution in the Ganga river. They urge participants to maintain cleanliness and avoid littering, emphasizing the need to treat the Ganga as a sacred deity and mother river.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
