Cleaning the sacred path: Swachh Manimahesh Abhiyan launched

With an aim to ensure cleanliness and preserve the natural environment along the sacred Manimahesh Yatra route, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal on Tuesday flagged off the “Swachh Manimahesh Abhiyan” in Bharmour.

The special campaign, which will run till July 30, focuses on removing legacy waste from the pilgrimage path stretching from Hadsar base camp to the revered Manimahesh Lake.

Each year, lakhs of pilgrims undertake the arduous journey through the Himalayas to seek blessings at Manimahesh Lake, nestled at an altitude of nearly 13,500 feet. However, the growing influx of visitors has led to a sharp rise in plastic and other non-biodegradable waste along the route, threatening the fragile ecosystem of the region. From discarded PET bottles and food wrappers to polythene bags and leftover food, the accumulation of trash has become a pressing environmental issue.

Highlighting the significance of the campaign, Repaswal said the drive is being conducted with active public participation. Local panchayats, self-help groups, volunteer organisations, environmentalists and pilgrims are playing a key role in ensuring the success of this initiative.

He said a target of collecting 15 tonnes of waste has been set under this special fortnight-long drive. The collected waste will be brought down to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Bharmour, where the segregated waste will be processed. Recyclable items will be sold through scrap dealer networks to generate funds for future cleanups, biodegradable waste will be composted and certain plastic types may be diverted for use as fuel in cement plants.

More than 100 volunteers, volunteer organisation and green groups have registered for the campaign. The Manimahesh Trust is providing logistic support to the volunteers with accommodation, community kitchen, transportation and safety kits. They will also be provided essential items for the drive including garbage bags, masks, and sanitation kits.

“The Manimahesh Yatra is not only a symbol of deep religious faith but also passes through an ecologically fragile zone. Pilgrims must respect both its sanctity and environmental sensitivity. We urge all devotees to support the administration in maintaining cleanliness throughout the route,” said Repaswal.

During the launch ceremony, Bharmour ADC Kulbir Rana presented DC Repaswal with a framed photograph of Manimahesh Kailash as a token of gratitude.

The event saw the participation of Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, SDM Abhishek Mittal, BDO Ramnavir Singh, officers from various departments, representatives from organizations like Healing Himalayas, Dhauladhar Cleaners, Vishva Manav Ruhani Kendra, Sambh, self-help groups, NSS volunteers from Bharmour Government College and members of the local community.

Himachal Tribune