Garbage during the Char Dham Yatra has raised alarm bells! A record 230 tons of garbage has been found in Kedarnath, prompting a stern warning from the Pollution Control Board.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : The garbage burden at pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand has reached alarming levels during this year's Chardham Yatra. With the increased number of pilgrims, a record increase in waste has also been recorded. Kedarnath alone collected 230 tons of garbage from 1.7 million pilgrims. Badrinath brought down 220 tons, Gangotri 70 tons, and Yamunotri about 44 tons.

According to officials, more than 4.7 million pilgrims visited the Char Dham this year, leading to a sharp increase in non-biodegradable waste such as plastic and thermocol. Despite restrictions, plastic bottles, cups, bags, and packaging materials are being found in large quantities along the pilgrimage routes. Removing waste from high-altitude, sensitive areas is proving difficult, time-consuming, and expensive for the administration.

Pollution Control Board warning

Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, described the situation as serious, noting that there has been a significant increase in the number of pilgrims this year. He added that a detailed study of the source and quantity of waste is underway.

Dr. Dhakate stated that strict restrictions on single-use plastics are being implemented to control waste, and new systems are being developed in coordination with the Forest Department. He clearly warned that strict action will be taken against those who violate the rules, and new provisions will be added in the upcoming meeting.

Strict steps will be taken

The Badri Kedarnath Committee also supports strict measures. Badri Kedarnath Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that the increasing waste in the Char Dham area is a matter of serious concern. He stated that the committee is committed to curbing pollution in the Himalayan region. Dwivedi said that a proposal is being considered at the next board meeting to further strengthen waste management in the Kedarnath and Badrinath temple complexes.

Officials believe that if efforts to control plastic and increase awareness among pilgrims are not made rapidly, the environmental crisis in the Chardham area could take a more serious form.