Environmental Impact of Kedarnath Yatra: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
The Kedarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for millions of devotees visiting the sacred temple in Uttarakhand, India, has profound implications for the environment. While it is a journey of spiritual importance, the influx of pilgrims poses several environmental challenges that need urgent attention.
Waste Generation
One of the most pressing issues is the substantial waste generated during the Yatra. Reports indicate that over 26 tonnes of waste were produced during the 2024 pilgrimage, with a significant portion left unprocessed. This accumulation of waste not only affects the pristine beauty of the region but also poses risks to local wildlife and ecosystems.
Deforestation and Soil Erosion
The increased foot traffic can lead to deforestation and soil erosion, particularly on trails that are not adequately maintained. The natural landscape is vulnerable to degradation, which can disrupt local flora and fauna. Unregulated development to accommodate pilgrims can further exacerbate these issues, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Water Resources
The surge in visitors strains local water resources, as increased demand for freshwater can lead to depletion and contamination of natural water sources. Proper waste management and sanitation facilities are often lacking, raising concerns about water quality and availability for both locals and pilgrims.
Mitigation Efforts
To address these challenges, local authorities and environmental organizations are advocating for sustainable tourism practices. Initiatives include promoting eco-friendly waste disposal methods, improving infrastructure, and raising awareness among pilgrims about their environmental impact. Collaborative efforts aim to ensure that the Kedarnath Yatra remains spiritually enriching while minimizing its ecological footprint.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2739
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2025
Impact of Kedarnath Yatra on Environment
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the problems of environmental degradation deforestation, loss of biodiversity and increase in garbage in Kedarnath area due to annual pilgrimage;
(b) if so, the specific measures taken by the Government to mitigate the adverse impacts on environment and to ensure ecological stability of the area;
(c) whether there is any scheme to regulate the number of pilgrims according to the carrying capacity of the area, if so, the details, thereof; and
(d) whether any collaboration has been made with environmental organizations experts in this regard?
ANSWER
(a) to (d): The Government of Uttarakhand in coordination with Central Government has taken measures on issues related to environment along the pilgrim tracks of Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Yamunotri and Gomukh pilgrimage centres. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed for registration of tourist, equines, vehicles, law & order, sanitation, health and other general administration. The State Government has also taken measures inter alia for limiting number of vehicles, restricting number of tourists especially during the peak season, restricting number of mules and equines based on carrying capacity study, planning infrastructure for waste management, demarcation of areas where activities incompatible with environment are prohibited / regulated, discouraging use of food and products packaged in plastics, encouraging depositing of wastes at designated places, monitoring mechanism
The local authorities and village panchayats are mandated to undertake solid waste and plastic waste management as per Solid Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules. The State Pollution Control Board is mandated to enforce provisions of these rules. Under the Solid Waste Management and Plastic Waste Management Rules, state level committees also monitor implementation of rules. Additional central assistance is also provided under Swachh Bharat Mission for solid waste management including plastic waste management in urban and rural areas, as per scheme guidelines. Various manuals, advisories and guidelines have been brought out covering various aspects of solid waste and plastic waste management in consultation with experts.
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