Yamunotri Dham Launches Intensive Ritual Waste Management Campaign

Uttarkashi, September 21 (Daily Kiran) : The district administration has intensified efforts to maintain cleanliness at Yamunotri Dham and its trekking routes. Following directives from District Magistrate Prashant Arya, Sulabh International, the authorized agency, has ramped up the scientific disposal of ritual waste and cleaning operations in the area.On September 11, Arya conducted an on-site inspection of the Yamunotri Dham to assess travel arrangements. He met with Sunil Uniyal, the secretary of the temple committee, to gather information on the disposal of collected ritual materials and waste within the temple premises. Due to challenges in transporting religious remnants during the rainy season, Arya instructed the development of a rapid response strategy once the rain subsided. In compliance, Sulabh International has initiated a special cleanliness campaign from the Janaki Chatti barrier to the Yamunotri temple complex, facilitated through the tourism department.The district tourism development officer reported the deployment of 40 environmental workers and four supervisors along the route. This team is tasked with regular cleaning, solid waste collection, and transporting waste to the dumping yard in Janaki Chatti. Previously, during a month-long campaign, approximately 30 bags of ritual materials and other religious waste were transported daily by around 15 mules to Janaki Chatti, with each bag weighing between 45 to 50 kilograms.To enhance the campaign's effectiveness, an additional 15 mules have been deployed since September 18, ensuring regular transport of religious waste to the processing site. The district administration has instructed Sulabh International to maintain this special arrangement for cleanliness, waste collection, and transportation until the end of the pilgrimage season. This initiative aims to provide a clean, accessible, and divine environment for pilgrims from across the country and abroad while preserving the sanctity and ecological balance of Yamunotri Dham.