Green Beginnings: Kedarnath's Eco-Friendly Waste Initiative

The Kedarnath Nagar Panchayat has effectively managed over 1,000 kg of plastic waste in the initial week of the Char Dham Yatra. This environmental initiative, supported by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aligns with efforts to protect Uttarakhand's ecosystem and promote sustainable pilgrimage practices.

The Kedarnath Nagar Panchayat successfully processed over 1,000 kg of plastic waste during the first week of the Char Dham Yatra, as part of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's 'green pilgrimage' initiative, officials reported on Thursday. The sacred Himalayan shrine opened its doors on April 22.

A dedicated Material Recovery Facility, spanning 3,000 square feet, has been established in Kedarnath to handle the surge of solid waste generated by the influx of pilgrims. The facility sorts waste into 15 categories, including plastic, glass, tin, and cloth. Neeraj Kukreti, Executive Officer of the Nagar Panchayat, stated that the collected plastic waste is compressed into bundles for sale, providing revenue for the local body.

In addition to plastic, glass and tin waste are transported to Sonprayag to be sold as scrap. A team of 55 sanitation workers ensures cleanliness at the shrine, supported by a separate agency managing the trek route. The efforts support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's and Chief Minister Dhami's calls for protecting Uttarakhand's fragile ecosystem from single-use plastics and litter.