Eco-makeover: Manimahesh pilgrimage goes sustainable with tech, awareness

In a significant move towards promoting cleanliness and sustainable waste management in the sacred Manimahesh pilgrimage zone, a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between the Chamba district administration, Rapidue Technology Pvt Ltd (Recykal) and Healing Himalayas Foundation.

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Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal stated that the MoU aims to establish a high-standard sanitation system along the Manimahesh yatra route, ensuring scientific disposal of waste generated during the pilgrimage. As part of the agreement, Healing Himalayas Foundation will utilise Recykal’s technology-driven solutions under the guidance and supervision of the district administration.

The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with multiple departments, including Tourism, Urban and Rural Development, Environment, Science and Technology, State Pollution Control Board and State Taxes and Excise, along with support from local urban bodies, business establishments and hotel associations.

Repaswal also announced that an awareness campaign will soon be launched in Bharmour, the base town of the pilgrimage, to engage all stakeholders and ensure the success of the programme.

In alignment with the recently notified Himachal Pradesh Deposit Return Scheme-2025, the district will also pilot this scheme during the upcoming Manimahesh Yatra 2025. The scheme encourages the return and recycling of plastic and packaging waste by offering monetary deposits, thus promoting responsible waste disposal.

Ahead of the main yatra, a comprehensive swachhata campaign is already underway along the pilgrimage route from July 15 to 30, with active participation from local panchayats, volunteers, environmentalists and devotees. Arrangements have been made to ensure proper segregation and disposal of waste collected during the campaign.

Representatives from Recykal and Healing Himalayas Foundation emphasised that they bring essential technical expertise and infrastructure for the collection, segregation and recycling of dry waste such as plastics, multilayered packaging (MLP), tetra packs and glass. They underscored that the deposit return mechanism would significantly help minimise plastic accumulation and protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

The signing of this MoU is seen as a critical milestone in maintaining the ecological sanctity of Manimahesh Lake, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimage sites located at an altitude of nearly 13,500 feet. Each year, lakhs of devotees undertake the arduous Himalayan journey to seek blessings at the sacred lake. However, the growing number of visitors has led to an increase in non-biodegradable waste, posing serious environmental concerns.

The yatra is scheduled to take place from August 16 to 31, and the administration is hopeful that this initiative will set a new benchmark for eco-conscious pilgrimages in the state.