Char Dham Yatra And The Trail Of Plastic Pollution

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is filled with temples and welcomes visitors all year round. One of the most famous religious journeys in Uttarakhand is the Char Dham Yatra. This pilgrimage takes devotees to four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath (dedicated to Lord Shiva), and Badrinath (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), all nestled high up in the Himalayas. The term 'Char Dham' means 'four abodes' in Hindi, highlighting the importance of these religious spots.

The high-altitude shrines are closed for about six months each year, reopening in the summer months (April or May) and closing as winter approaches (October or November). Tradition holds that the Char Dham Yatra should be completed in a clockwise direction. Thus, the journey commences from Yamunotri, progresses to Gangotri, then to Kedarnath, and finally concludes at Badrinath. Some devotees opt for a Do Dham Yatra, visiting two shrines - Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Annually, Uttarakhand attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, bringing both economic benefits and environmental challenges. On May 10, Char Dham Yatra began and so far more than 25 lakh pilgrims have already registered in the state. Despite contributing to the state's revenue, pilgrims also leave behind a significant amount of garbage, particularly plastic bags and wrappers, posing a threat to the environment. Managing plastic waste remains a persistent concern at the hill shrines during this pilgrimage.

Officials from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UPCB) report that the state generates between 1,500 to 1,700 tonnes of waste daily, which includes waste from tourists and pilgrims. Due to a lack of waste segregation, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of plastic waste being produced. However, studies suggest that plastic waste accounts for approximately 10-15 per cent of the total waste generated.

This situation has raised alarm among scientists, environmentalists and citizens because of the potential impact on a state's exotic herbs and the state's geographical location vulnerable to natural disasters such as landslides. In June 2013, a cloudburst triggered severe floods and landslides throughout Uttarakhand, marking India's most catastrophic natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami that hit coastal areas along the Bay of Bengal.

According to data collected from local administrations and urban local bodies last year, Kedarnath, with the highest number of visitors among the pilgrimage sites, produces 1.5-2 tonnes of waste per day, with around 160 kg being plastic waste. Badrinath generates 2.5-3 tonnes, while Gangotri generates four tonnes, and Yamunotri less than one tonne.

Although administrations claim to have multiple waste collection points along the pilgrimage routes, there is a lack of implementation of segregation-related plans. Pilgrims also report that ground staff sometimes sweep garbage down the slopes, and there is no segregation specifically for plastic waste.

In a report released on January 13 last year, a Joint Committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) criticised what it described as "serious mismanagement of solid, liquid, and plastic waste pollution, along with inadequate infrastructure to handle the large number of pilgrims and tourists during peak seasons" on the Char Dham Yatra.

The committee has proposed various recommendations, such as conducting a study on the effects of tourism on biodiversity in the area and enforcing waste management regulations rigorously. Additionally, the committee has suggested several measures. A few of them are written below:

1. Implementing solid waste separation at specific sites.
2. Collecting, transporting, and managing waste using bio-composting pits.
3. Regulating the number of horses allowed based on the region's capacity.
3. Conducting regular monitoring and data collection on soil and water quality.

In conclusion, state authorities and devotees must work together to protect Uttarakhand's delicate ecosystem and maintain its natural beauty for generations to come. This collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges posed by plastic pollution and ensuring the sustainability of pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath.