Shravan: Uttarakhand's Haridwar Gears Up For Mega Clean-Up Drive As Kanwariyas Leaves Behind 7,000 Tonnes Of Garbage; Take A Look!

Uttarakhand, known as the Land of Gods (Devbhoomi), is currently facing a massive clean-up operation following the annual Kanwar Yatra. The pilgrimage, which sees lakhs of Kanwariyas travel to Haridwar to collect water from the holy Ganga river, has left behind around 7,000 tonnes of garbage as the devotees return home. Haridwar, a city renowned for its religious significance, is now gearing up to restore cleanliness to its roads, ghats, and other locations that witnessed a surge in footfall during the two-week pilgrimage.

According to data, nearly five crore pilgrims visited Haridwar to collect the sacred water. However, the influx of Kanwariyas has also created a significant waste-management challenge for the city. The condition of Haridwar, as depicted by visuals circulating on social media, is a stark reminder of the environmental impact of such large-scale religious gatherings.

The arrival of the Kanwariyas has not only left behind discarded clothes, slippers, and plastic bottles but has also led to the deposition of urine-filled water bottles in various public spaces.

The municipal authorities and sanitation workers have been working tirelessly to clear the accumulated waste. Over 1,100 sanitation workers and 80 vehicles have been deployed to ensure that Haridwar returns to normalcy swiftly. The situation has sparked outrage among locals, with many criticizing the behavior of the Kanwariyas. The incident has raised concerns about the potential pollution of the Ganga River and the risk of disease outbreaks due to the widespread littering.

The forest department has also undertaken a special cleanliness drive in Gangotri, collecting 57 sacks of waste during the post-Yatra clean-up. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by India's rivers, with many blaming the so-called Hindutvawadis for their role in degrading the environment. As Haridwar begins its recovery process, the focus is on restoring the city's pristine image and ensuring that future pilgrimages do not cause similar environmental damage.