Uttarkashi, April 25: A significant influx of pilgrims is currently visiting Gangotri Dham, but a troubling situation has emerged from this sacred site. Many devotees are discarding clothing, worship materials, cosmetics, sarees, dhotis, combs, mirrors, and old garments into the Ganges after bathing. This practice is exacerbating pollution in the Gangotri area.
In response to this alarming issue, a large-scale cleanliness campaign was conducted in Gangotri on Thursday, led by the Ganga Vichar Manch. Participants included officials and staff from the Nagar Panchayat Gangotri, the Forest Department, and Gangotri National Park, along with saints and local residents. During this joint effort, approximately 100 bags of discarded clothing and waste were collected from the river. This figure highlights the severity of the problem.
The cleanliness drive required hours of hard work to remove clothes, worship materials, and other waste trapped on the ghats, banks, and in the water. Locals report that this situation occurs every season, but it is worsening with the increasing number of visitors. If not addressed promptly, it could severely impact the cleanliness, environment, and religious sanctity of the Gangotri region.
For the past 12 years, the Ganga Vichar Manch has been actively raising awareness about this issue. Volunteers appeal to pilgrims each year not to throw any clothing, worship materials, or cosmetics into the Ganges. They emphasize that keeping the Ganga clean is the greatest form of worship.
Lokendra Singh Bisht, the state coordinator of the Manch, stated that if devotees wish to offer clothing or other items to the Ganga, they should donate them at the Gangotri temple or to those in need. Disposing of items in the river only contributes to pollution. He stressed that the Ganga does not appreciate such offerings; instead, it harms her purity.
He urged society to understand the true essence of religious traditions. Faith should not come at the expense of nature. Donating clothes to the needy, offering at the temple, or engaging in service work is the true path to merit.
The Ganga Vichar Manch has also requested the Gangotri temple committee to make regular announcements in the temple and on the ghats to educate pilgrims. They have urged the committee to explain to visitors that they should not throw items into the Ganga but rather offer them at the temple.
Last year and this year, banners, wall paintings, and awareness messages have been installed at various locations in Gangotri, clearly stating that no materials should be thrown into the Ganga. Despite this, many continue their old habits. Social activists argue that without strict administrative measures and widespread awareness, improving the situation will be challenging.
This issue has also been raised with Namami Gange, the National Clean Ganga Mission, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The Manch hopes to elevate this matter to a national level in the future to raise awareness across the country.
The recent cleanliness campaign saw active participation from various officials, including Executive Officer Jayanand Semwal, Ranger Pradeep Bisht, and many others.
The situation in Gangotri serves as a reminder for the entire nation that faith and cleanliness must go hand in hand. The Ganga is not only a source of faith for millions but also a lifeline. If the source is polluted, all efforts to keep the downstream waters clean will be in vain. It is time for devotees to offer not waste but a commitment to cleanliness.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya stated in a conversation with reporters that plans are underway to install an ETP plant to maintain the donated clothing and to process sarees and cosmetics through SAG.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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