Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: A Landmark Event In Eco-Friendly Responsibility

The Maha Kumbh Mela draws to a close with a sea of devotees taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri on 26 February. The 45-day-long festival that attracted over 63 crore pilgrims necessitated innovative strategies to address the challenges of such a large crowd, particularly in managing waste and maintaining cleanliness.

Ensuring a “Clean Kumbh” for devotees, the Uttar Pradesh government set up over 1.50 lakh toilets and created 75 artificial ponds to treat greywater using bio-remediation technology. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provided technological support for fecal sludge treatment plants. These plants processed waste from 250 cesspool vehicles daily, ensuring treated water safely reached the mainstream water body. Temporary sewage treatment plants efficiently managed wastewater, incorporating atomic ozone technology from ISRO and water polishing technology from BARC.

With innovative waste management systems, strict regulations on single-use plastics, and widespread awareness campaigns, the government aimed to create a greener and cleaner pilgrimage. Measures like covered bins for waste disposal, special sanitation teams for quick waste clearance, continuous monitoring of river to prevent pollution and temporary separate changing rooms for men and women ensured pilgrims had access to a clean and eco-friendly area.

The state government also organised the first-ever conclave on faith and climate change because “religious and spiritual leaders play a pivotal role in inspiring sustainable practices and climate action”. Religious and spiritual communities and their green practices are important to strengthen the fight against climate change. By leveraging their spiritual teachings and community influence, these leaders can inspire sustainable practices and foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has emerged as a milestone in environmental responsibility and public sanitation by adopting community engagement, innovative technologies and strategic policy initiatives.