Plastic-free yatra: Manimahesh pilgrimage gets green makeover

A deposit refund scheme (DRS) has been launched along the sacred Bharmour-Dal Lake Manimahesh yatra route as part of a major cleanliness and environmental protection drive. The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Chamba district administration, Rapidue Technologies Pvt Ltd (Recykal) and Healing Himalayas Foundation, aims to make the pilgrimage eco-friendly and litter-free. The entire stretch has been declared a plastic-controlled zone until August 31.

The scheme follows a tripartite MoU signed on July 19 between the district administration, Recykal and Healing Himalayas Foundation to establish a sustainable waste management system in the pilgrimage zone. Under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, all commercial establishments, vendors and unorganised units along the route must sell PET bottles, multi-layered plastic (MLP) packaging and tetra packs only with a minimum-value deposit QR code.

Project managers Shruti and AP Singh Rawat explained that the aim is not just to collect plastic waste but also to promote responsible travel. “Travellers will pay a small deposit when purchasing plastic bottles or packets, which will be refunded upon returning the material at designated counters,” they said. Multiple deposit counters have been set up from Bharmour to Manimahesh and any sale of PET bottles, MLPs or tetra packs without QR codes will invite strict action against the vendor.

Project in-charge Tushar Kaushal called the scheme a vital step towards making the Manimahesh trek completely plastic-free and urged traders and devotees to cooperate fully.

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal said wholesalers, distributors, shopkeepers, hotels, homestays and restaurant owners along the route have already been provided with QR codes. “Strict action will be taken against any sale of plastic items without them,” he warned.

The Manimahesh yatra, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimages, attracts thousands of devotees each year to the high-altitude Manimahesh Lake in the Budhil valley of Bharmour subdivision. Situated at about 13,500 feet in the Pir Panjal range, at the base of Manimahesh Kailash Peak (5,653 metres) — believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva — the pilgrimage begins on August 16 (Janmashtami) and concludes on August 31 (Radha Ashtami).

Pilgrims trek around 13 km from Hadsar to the lake through rugged terrain, generating tonnes of waste that threaten the fragile ecology of the region. Authorities hope the DRS will help preserve the sanctity and natural beauty of this sacred route.