Haridwar launches cleanup of 7,000 metric tons of waste after Kanwar Yatra

Following the conclusion of the Kanwar Yatra in Haridwar, which saw approximately 48 million pilgrims visit the region, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation has launched a massive cleaning operation to manage an estimated 7,000 metric tons of accumulated waste.

The waste includes significant amounts of plastic, clothing, and other debris left across pilgrimage routes, parking areas, and markets. Reports indicate that nearly 2,000 metric tons of trash were generated in the final two days of the festival alone. To address the situation, the municipal corporation has deployed 1,000 additional workers and over 80 vehicles to clear ghats, markets, and crowded areas.

Authorities are utilizing modern technology to assist the cleanup, including the use of drones for monitoring waste accumulation and trials of solar-sensor-equipped dustbins to improve collection efficiency. Additionally, a textile waste recycling initiative is being coordinated with NGOs to process discarded clothing. The specialized cleaning drive is expected to continue for at least two more days to restore the city and the banks of the Ganga.