Gujarat Manages 906 MT of Pilgrimage Waste Scientifically
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has successfully managed 906 MT of waste from various pilgrimages through its Swachh Paryavaran Yatra initiative.
In a massive environmental undertaking, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has successfully collected and scientifically processed approximately 906 metric tonnes (MT) of waste generated during various religious pilgrimages across the state. This achievement comes as part of the Swachh Paryavaran Yatra initiative, which was launched in 2024 to ensure that spiritual journeys do not leave a lasting scar on the environment.
Massive Outreach to Millions of Devotees
The initiative has made a significant impact, reaching more than 1.43 crore devotees through extensive environmental awareness campaigns. These activities were strategically placed along major pilgrimage routes, including the Uttarvahini Narmada Parikrama and the Fuldol Mahotsav in Dwarka. The program focuses on a multi-pronged approach: combining strict sanitation measures, scientific waste management, and providing practical alternatives to single-use plastics.
A major highlight of this campaign was the recent Ambaji Padyatra, where the GPCB managed 38.8 MT of waste. To ensure the success of this specific event, the following resources were deployed:
- 300 Seva Kendras established for devotee support.
- 13 dedicated vehicles for waste transport.
- 90 sanitation workers and field personnel on constant duty.
Fighting Plastic with Sustainable Alternatives
To tackle the growing menace of plastic pollution, the state government has actively promoted eco-friendly substitutes. Gujarat Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia highlighted that the campaign distributed 31,000 compostable bags, 1,500 cloth bags, and 4,850 steel bottles to discourage the use of single-use plastics. Additionally, a dedicated bottle-exchange programme proved highly effective, facilitating the collection of 38,466 plastic bottles.
Spreading Awareness Through Culture
The campaign did not rely solely on logistics; it also utilized cultural tools to educate the masses. Minister of State for Forests and Environment Pravin Mali noted that environmental awareness was promoted through diverse public outreach activities, including:
- 70 street plays to engage local communities.
- Two Dayra programmes for cultural connection.
- 4 lakh awareness bands and over 50,000 pamphlets distributed to pilgrims.
Significant Environmental Benefits
The scientific management of waste has yielded measurable environmental benefits. According to official data, the Ambaji campaign alone contributed to the mitigation of an estimated 27.58 MT of carbon dioxide emissions and resulted in energy savings of 3.25 lakh kWh.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state continues to strengthen cleanliness and scientific waste management protocols at major pilgrimage sites, aligning with national goals for sustainable environmental protection.