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Kanwar Yatra's Environmental Toll: 7,000 Tonnes of Waste
12 Aug
Summary
- Nearly five crore pilgrims visited Haridwar for the Kanwar Yatra.
- Over 7,000 tonnes of garbage were left on ghats after the pilgrimage.
- Ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions faced significant plastic accumulation.

The annual Kanwar Yatra has concluded, leaving behind mountains of garbage in Haridwar. Nearly five crore pilgrims collected water from the Ganga, subsequently discarding vast quantities of trash, including plastic items and clothing, on the ghats. Authorities reported collecting at least 7,000 tonnes of waste. The environmental impact extends to higher reaches like Gangotri, a designated plastic-free zone, where pilgrims also left behind considerable waste. This accumulation threatens the sensitive Himalayan ecosystem, its wildlife, and the sanctity of these pilgrimage sites.