Mahakumbh Nagar: The Mahakumbh has become a beacon of environmental consciousness under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Bhandaras are being organised across various religious camps and ashrams, serving prasad to thousands daily. This year, the focus is on making the Mahakumbh unprecedented in cleanliness and eco-friendliness.Devotees at Mahakumbh are upholding three sacred vows of cleanliness to make it a Swachh Mahakumbh.
Sants from all over the country, including Baghambari Gaddi, Ayodhya, and Mathura, are championing this cause. They have completely banned thermocol and plastic on their premises, ensuring a sustainable environment. Devotees with polythene are given eco-friendly alternatives such as earthen pots, jute bags, and steel utensils.
As part of the Chief Minister’s campaign, devotees are also pledging three vows of not bringing polythene or plastic dona-pattal from home, to avoid using items that harm the environment, and to refrain from polluting the Ganga.
In the Mahakumbh Nagar area, ashrams have taken the lead, incorporating jute, earthen kulhars, and sustainable utensils for food and prasad distribution. Over 50,000 eco-friendly plates and bags have been ordered to support this initiative.
Baghambari Gaddi, Ram Vaidehi Temple, Bhagwan Narayan Khalsa, and Guru Dham Ashram are setting a stellar example by using only earthen pots, embracing sustainability in every aspect of the Mahakumbh.
In a significant step towards a clean and green Mahakumbh, Mahant Balveer Giri, Peethadheeshwar of Shrimath Baghambari Gaddi and Bade Hanuman Mandir have launched a campaign to distribute eco-friendly steel plates and cloth bags to ashrams. Approximately 50,000 each plates and bags have been ordered and distributed as needed to curb plastic usage.
Suraj Pandey of Bade Hanuman Mandir highlighted that these initiatives are being extended to other city gurukuls, ashrams, and monasteries. Leading this drive are saints from across India, including Swami Dilip Das Tyagi Maharaj of Ram Vaidehi Temple (Ayodhya), Mahamandaleshwar Janardan Das Maharaj of Tulsi Das Cantonment, and Bhagwan Narayan Khalsa of Guru Dham Ashram (Mathura). These leaders have completely banned thermocol and plastic within their premises during Mahakumbh.
Under the visionary leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is steadfast in its commitment to a plastic-free Mahakumbh. Natural alternatives like dona, patty, kulchas, and jute or cloth bags are being actively promoted.
Stalls supplying these eco-friendly products have been set up across the fairgrounds to facilitate their adoption.
To ensure effective implementation, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has divided Prayagraj into multiple zones, each overseen by a nodal officer working to keep their zones clean and plastic-free. Weekly reviews are conducted to monitor progress, and wholesale suppliers of polythene bags have been instructed to halt their supply within Mahakumbh Nagar and the city.
Awareness campaigns amplify the message, with posters, hoardings, and street plays emphasizing the importance of avoiding plastic. Under the banners of “Swachh Mahakumbh, Swachh Prayagraj,” the drive aims to make Mahakumbh a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
