Dehradun, May 1: The sacred Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to become ‘plastic-free’ this year with the launch of the ‘Sparsh Ganga’ campaign. This initiative, aimed at nature and environmental conservation, seeks to raise awareness among pilgrims and protect the Himalayas from waste accumulation. Actress Arushi Nishank has publicly endorsed this movement.
In a conversation, Arushi Nishank stated, “This campaign is not just a recent endeavor for me; it has been my commitment since I was born in the divine land of Uttarakhand. It is our homeland, and safeguarding it is our collective responsibility.”
The actress expressed her concerns regarding the increasing crowds and waste issues. She highlighted that millions of tons of waste accumulate here each year, with plastic waste being the most harmful. She introduced the concept of ‘sub-floor economy’ (earning from waste), emphasizing that travelers can earn merit by disposing of plastic in designated bins.
She elaborated on the campaign’s strategy, stating, “Around 10,000 volunteers will be deployed at approximately 200 identified locations along the travel route. Numerous bins have been installed. Volunteers will guide travelers on how to dispose of different types of waste. All collected plastic bottles will be sent for recycling, in partnership with specialized institutions.”
Dr. Kalyan Singh Rawat, the founder of the ‘Mati Swastika’ campaign and a Padma Shri awardee, also shared his thoughts. He noted that while the Himalayas are filled with tourists, the plastic waste problem is also escalating. He warned that plastic has now transformed into micro and nano-plastics, which are entering our bodies through the air, contributing significantly to the rising incidence of heart attacks at younger ages.
Dr. Rawat clarified that the plastic crisis is not limited to tourists; it has also been exacerbated by weddings and rituals in villages. He remarked, “We have established ‘waste houses’ in villages, but we have not been able to change people’s mindsets. They still scatter waste in their courtyards. We need to change our thinking and start using traditional metal utensils instead of plastic.”
Leave a Comment