To manage the immense footfall at the Kumbh, a robust sanitation infrastructure has been put in place, including 12000 Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets with septic tanks, 16100 prefabricated steel toilets equipped with soak pits & 20000 community urinals strategically placed across the fairgrounds.
Maha Kumbh 2025 is not only a grand religious congregation but also an exemplary model of environmental consciousness and cleanliness. With millions of devotees expected to gather for the holy event, ensuring sanitation and hygiene has become a top priority. The event is setting new global benchmarks in waste management, river conservation, and eco-friendly practices. The state government has implemented an extensive sanitation plan, aiming for a “Clean Maha Kumbh,” with stringent waste management regulations, a plastic-free environment, and widespread awareness campaigns. This initiative reflects a broader vision of environmental responsibility, seamlessly blending spirituality with sustainability to create a greener and cleaner pilgrimage experience.
Purity of the Ganga and Plastic-Free Zones
One of the major objectives of Maha Kumbh 2025 is to maintain the purity of the sacred Ganga. Stringent measures have been enforced to prevent pollution, and continuous monitoring of the river is being carried out. The entire fairground has been declared a plastic-free zone, with a complete ban on single-use plastics. Additionally, large-scale awareness campaigns educate pilgrims on responsible waste disposal and encourage the use of designated bins. The goal is to ensure that the river remains pristine, reinforcing the spiritual and ecological significance of the Ganga.
Large-Scale Sanitation Infrastructure
To manage the immense footfall at the Kumbh, a robust sanitation infrastructure has been put in place, including:
- 12,000 Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets with septic tanks.
- 16,100 prefabricated steel toilets equipped with soak pits.
- 20,000 community urinals strategically placed across the fairgrounds.
These facilities significantly reduce the risk of open defecation, thereby promoting better hygiene and preventing health hazards. The scale of this initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to public health and sanitation.
Efficient Waste Management System
A well-organized waste management system has been deployed to maintain cleanliness throughout the event. Key measures include:
- 20,000 trash bins for waste segregation at source.
- 37.75 lakh liner bags for systematic waste collection and disposal.
- Special sanitation teams for rapid waste clearance, particularly after major bathing rituals.
These efforts ensure that waste is managed efficiently, reducing environmental impact while promoting recycling and reuse.
Miyawaki Forests: A Green Initiative
Apart from sanitation, the state government has adopted the Miyawaki afforestation technique to improve air quality and increase green cover in Prayagraj. This revolutionary method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, allows dense forests to grow rapidly in limited spaces. The impact of this initiative is visible in multiple locations:
- 119,700 saplings of 63 species were planted over 34,200 square meters in Nevada Samogar, Naini Industrial Zone.
- The Buswar garbage dumping yard was transformed into a lush green forest with 27,000 saplings planted over 9,000 square meters.
- Miyawaki forests have been developed in 13 locations across Prayagraj, helping to regulate temperatures, enhance biodiversity, and prevent soil erosion.
This afforestation initiative not only restores environmental balance but also aligns with broader climate change mitigation efforts.
Community Participation and Awareness Campaigns
Public participation is at the heart of Maha Kumbh’s cleanliness drive. To encourage responsible behavior among devotees, the administration has launched several awareness initiatives:
- Swachhata Rath Yatra, organized by the Municipal Corporation of Prayagraj, has traversed multiple city routes spreading awareness about cleanliness.
- Street plays and musical performances educate pilgrims on waste segregation and disposal.
- Public address systems at ghats continuously broadcast messages urging devotees to maintain cleanliness.
These initiatives ensure that cleanliness becomes a collective responsibility, ingraining hygiene as a cultural practice.
Special Cleanliness Drives and Rapid Sanitation Teams
To tackle the aftermath of major bathing days, dedicated sanitation teams have been deployed to:
- Clean public toilets regularly, ensuring hygienic conditions throughout the event.
- Collect and systematically dispose of waste using black liner bags.
- Carry out regular spraying of disinfectants and fogging to prevent vector-borne diseases.
- Clear debris and rubble from pilgrimage routes for smooth movement of devotees.
These swift actions reinforce the administration’s commitment to maintaining a hygienic and healthy environment.
Welfare of Sanitation Workers
Recognizing the indispensable role of sanitation workers, or Safai Mitras, the government has introduced several welfare initiatives:
- Dedicated sanitation colonies with proper housing and amenities.
- Primary schools under the Vidya Kumbh initiative to provide education, uniforms, and mid-day meals for their children.
- Proper food, accommodation, and timely salary payments to ensure their well-being.
This approach underscores the government’s commitment to social welfare, ensuring dignity and financial security for those maintaining public sanitation.
Green Maha Kumbh: A National-Level Environmental Discussion
To further promote environmental awareness, Green Maha Kumbh is scheduled for January 31, 2025. Organized as part of the Gyan Maha Kumbh – 2081 series by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, the event will bring together 1,000+ environmental and water conservation experts to discuss:
- Environmental conservation and water management.
- Best practices in sustainability and cleanliness.
- Strategies to engage devotees in eco-friendly efforts.
This gathering will serve as a knowledge-sharing platform, strengthening the broader vision of sustainable development in India.
A Milestone in Viksit Bharat’s Journey
Maha Kumbh 2025 exemplifies how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously, setting new standards for sanitation, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. The comprehensive cleanliness initiatives, from waste management to afforestation and sanitation worker welfare, demonstrate a deep commitment to holistic development.
This massive undertaking is a reflection of India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed India that integrates economic progress with environmental consciousness. By fostering cleanliness, sustainability, and civic responsibility, Maha Kumbh 2025 not only preserves the sanctity of a sacred event but also paves the way for future large-scale gatherings to adopt eco-friendly and inclusive practices. These efforts are a testament to how India is advancing towards a future where spirituality, progress, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, making Viksit Bharat a reality.
