With right to gather comes the duty to clean

Cleanliness is shared responsibility

Religious gatherings are an integral part of our cultural and spiritual life, bringing together thousands of people in moments of devotion and unity. However, when the celebrations are over, piles of plastic, food waste and discarded decorations are frequently left on the streets. This raises a pressing question: Who should take responsibility for post-event cleaning up? While municipal authorities are mandated to maintain public hygiene, the burden of post-event waste management should not rest on them alone. Organisers of religious events must also be held accountable, as they plan and execute the gatherings. Just as safety, crowd control and logistics are carefully considered, waste management must be integrated into the event blueprint. Providing segregated bins, collaborating with local sanitation workers and ensuring proper disposal are essential steps. A cleaner environment is a shared responsibility. Municipal bodies should facilitate infrastructure, while organisers must ensure compliance. When both work together, faith can truly coexist with sustainability—honouring not just our traditions, but also our duty to protect the planet.

Novin Christopher

Organisers should be held accountable

Organisers of religious events should definitely be held accountable for post-event waste management, as they bring people together and generate the waste. They must arrange dustbins, awareness drives and clean-up teams. At the same time, municipal authorities have a duty to support them with proper disposal, recycling and larger-scale cleaning. Cleanliness should not be left to one side alone, it is a joint responsibility. When organisers, authorities and citizens work together, public spaces remain clean and respectful.

Prabhjot Singh

Arrange volunteers for clean-up jobs

The question of accountability for post-event waste management, especially after large religious gatherings, involves a balance of responsibilities between event organisers and municipal authorities. It must be taken into consideration that event organisers (religious or otherwise) should proactively plan for waste management, ensuring minimal environmental impact which includes providing adequate trash bins. Encouraging waste segregation (biodegradable/non-biodegradable). Arranging clean-up volunteers or hired services. Promoting awareness among attendees to reduce littering. The role of the municipal corporation is very important because local governments are responsible for overall public cleanliness, but their capacity depends on pre-event coordination with organisers. Many countries and cities have laws requiring event organisers to obtain permits conditional on waste management plans. In India, for example, the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) mandate that large event organisers must ensure proper waste disposal or face penalties. Both religious function organisers and the MC must work together hand in hand to keep the city clean and green. Every citizen must co-operate with each other for making city a best city in the country.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Spread awareness among attendees

Organisers of religious events and municipal authorities should share the responsibility for post-event waste management. Event organisers can take proactive steps to manage waste by providing adequate waste collection facilities, recycling bins and partnering with waste management agencies. They can also promote public awareness about proper waste disposal among attendees. Municipal authorities, on the other hand, should provide infrastructure and support for waste management, such as waste bins and collection services and establish regulations to ensure effective waste management. In India, initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission have improved cleanliness at major events, such as the Kumbh Mela, by deploying sanitation workers, portable toilets and litter bins. Collaborations between organisations and temples have also led to innovative solutions, like converting floral waste into organic manure, incense sticks and compost. By working together, organisers and municipal authorities can minimise waste, promote sustainability and maintain clean public spaces.

Jaspreet Kaur

Fine organisers for neglecting cleaning

In case of waste management and keeping the city clean, the municipal corporations can impose fines or deny future permits if organisers neglect clean-up duties. Religious events often emphasise environmental stewardship (eg cleanliness is next to godliness). Organisers should lead by example. As we know that public spaces are a shared resource—both organisers and attendees must respect these. Mega-gatherings which generate massive waste, requiring collaboration between organisers, NGOs and civic bodies. Municipalities may lack resources; organisers should allocate budgets for clean-up. The primary responsibility lies with organisers (as per “polluter pays” principle). Municipal support is crucial for logistics, but reliance on them alone is unsustainable. Coordination via pre-event agreements ensures efficient clean-up. A regulatory approach can enforce this balance. Ultimately, fostering a culture of collective responsibility where organisers, participants and authorities collaborate is the most sustainable solution.

Farzana Khan

Make waste management plans prior to event

Religious event organisers should bear primary responsibility for garbage control following the event. When applying for permits, they should be required to provide a waste management plan that includes proper disposal of plastics, food waste and decorations. A refundable security deposit can also be collected; however, it should only be reimbursed if the venue is left clean. This would ensure that organisers accept accountability rather than transferring the entire burden to municipal agencies. At the same time, municipalities may help by providing rubbish bins and collection services. A collaborative model between organisers and authorities is the most effective way to preserve hygiene and respect for public areas while also raising awareness among participants about sustainable practices.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Communication between organisers, MC is key

The responsibility for cleaning up after religious ceremonies generally falls on a combination of the religious body hosting the event and the local civic authorities, with a focus on community involvement and shared responsibility. While the religious body is responsible for organising the event and managing the initial waste generated, the local body often plays a crucial role in broader clean-up effort and proper waste disposal. They should ideally segregate waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable components where possible, making it easier for local authorities. The religious body should ensure adequate waste bins or designated areas are available during the event to encourage proper disposal. Involving volunteers from the religious community in the clean-up effort can foster a sense of shared responsibility and civic engagement. The local civic body is responsible for transporting waste to designated processing facilities, landfills or recycling centres. They should provide necessary infrastructure, such as waste collection vehicles, disposal sites and recycling facilities, to support the clean-up effort. Local authorities can play a vital role in educating the community about proper waste management practices, including segregation and disposal. In cases where proper waste disposal is not followed, the local body may need to enforce regulations and take necessary actions. A collaborative approach between religious bodies and local authorities is crucial for effective clean-up after ceremonies. Regular communication and coordination are essential. Encouraging community participation, through volunteer initiatives or awareness campaigns, can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Both religious bodies and local authorities should work together to promote sustainable practices, such as reducing waste generation, using eco-friendly materials and implementing composting or recycling programmes.

Sukhdev Sharma

MC should provide enough dustbins

The issue of waste management after religious events is a serious concern. Whenever large gatherings take place, they naturally generate a significant amount of waste, including food leftovers, plastic bottles, decorations and other materials. It is unfair to expect that municipal authorities alone should bear the responsibility of cleaning up such spaces. Organisers of religious events must be held accountable for maintaining cleanliness. They should make proper arrangements for dustbins, volunteers and waste segregation before the event begins. Two types of dustbins should always be available—one for dry and another for wet waste—so that garbage can be managed properly. This not only helps in keeping the surroundings clean but also spreads awareness among devotees about the importance of hygiene. People who participate in the event should also be encouraged to throw garbage in designated dustbins instead of on the roads. On the other hand, municipal authorities cannot be free from responsibility. Their role is to provide enough dustbins, collect waste efficiently and recycle it. Therefore, the responsibility of cleanliness should be shared between event organisers, municipal authorities, and the public. Only through joint effort can we ensure that our religious celebrations do not harm the environment or public spaces.

Ishpreet Kaur

Use eco-friendly materials

Religious events are a significant part of every culture but large gatherings during such events lead to huge dumping of solid wastes in and around the religious places causing the pollution. Political neglect and public attitude are the main reasons for the state of affairs of solid waste management during such events. Bringing mindfulness among the organisers and participants of religious events is crucial. The participants should be sensitised to proper waste disposal practices as well as to environmental concerns through campaigns and awareness camps. The religious leaders, local authorities and volunteers should be involved in solid waste management programmes. Only biodegradable materials, which are eco-friendly, should be used for offerings and decorations. Discourage the use of single-use plastics and disposable products. Some organisations offer services for collection of waste from the site of the event for responsible disposal, against payment. Such services should be utilised. Adequate number of designated bins for segregated waste should be provided at the site of the event.

RS Sembhi

offer claen-up services to organisers

Waste management at religious events is a joint responsibility of the organisers and the municipal corporation. However, the primary duty lies with event organisers to arrange an appropriate number of dustbins and cleaning staff. They can also collaborate with NGOs and encourage the use of biodegradable materials at stalls. The municipal corporation can perform two important roles. First, as the governing body, it can impose fines on organisers in case of lack of cleanliness. Second, it can also act as a service provider for cleanliness staff and equipment, thereby generating revenue and local employment. Finally, some responsibility also lies with the participating devotees to maintain civic sense and respect nature, which is also one of the basic teachings in all religions.

Jasjot Singh

Residents must act responsibly

India, being a diverse nation, witnesses numerous religious functions and large gatherings in public spaces. After such events, it should not be considered the sole duty of the municipal authorities to clean up. Instead, the responsibility must lie with the organisers and participants. If religious events are conducted in public places, organisers must ensure proper arrangements for waste management, such as providing dustbins and monitoring their use. Attendees, too, should act responsibly by disposing of waste properly and avoiding damage to public property. Municipal authorities certainly play a key role in maintaining cleanliness, but without the cooperation of citizens and event organisers, the task becomes overwhelming. Public spaces belong to everyone, so it is the shared responsibility of both organisers and individuals to keep them clean.

Veerpal Kaur

MC should hold regular checks

Religious events or any other gatherings are undoubtedly enjoyable, but the harm caused afterwards due to plastic glasses, plates and other waste on roads, despite the presence of bins, is unacceptable and leads to serious environmental degradation. When it comes to responsibility, both organisers and municipal authorities share it. However, the primary responsibility lies with the organisers. Firstly, they should replace plastic plates and cups with eco-friendly alternatives such as paper or biodegradable ones. Secondly, there should be volunteers or guiding staff to direct people to dispose of waste properly in the bins. If waste is still left behind, organisers must ensure that it is collected and cleaned, thereby fulfilling their duty towards society. On the part of municipal authorities, they should not limit themselves to cleaning after the event but should take a proactive role. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure waste is disposed of in designated areas. In conclusion, only through joint responsibility—organisers taking initiative and authorities providing support—can we maintain cleanliness, protect the environment and ensure that such divine gatherings leave behind positive memories, not piles of waste

Japleen Kaur

MC must support organisers

If organisers are using public spaces for large religious events, they are exercising a public right and thus should also accept the corresponding duty of keeping the space clean afterward. Organisers of concerts, festivals and political rallies are often required to arrange waste disposal. Religious events should be treated similarly to ensure fairness.

Holding organisers accountable can encourage more environmentally conscious planning—like using biodegradable materials or providing adequate bins and volunteers for clean-up. City services are already stretched thin in many places. Shifting some responsibility to event organisers reduces strain on public budgets and improves efficiency. Some argue that once an event concludes, it’s the government’s job to maintain public infrastructure, including cleaning up, regardless of who used the space. Smaller religious or community groups may not have the financial resources to arrange professional waste management services. If rules are enforced unevenly (eg stricter for minority religious groups), it could lead to social tension or perceived bias. A hybrid model is often the most practical and equitable. Municipalities can require waste management plans as part of the event permitting process. Authorities could offer subsidies or municipal assistance for lower-income or small-scale religious gatherings. Combine public awareness campaigns with post-event inspections to ensure compliance. Organisers should be held accountable for post-event waste management—not as a punitive measure, but as a civic responsibility. However, municipal authorities should also play a supportive role, especially where equity or logistical constraints are a concern. Clean public spaces benefit everyone, and collaboration is key.

Anmol Singh

Both parties should work in tandem

Religious events often fill public spaces with joy, music and devotion, but once they end, what remains is often heaps of waste. It would be unfair to expect the city workers alone to deal with the mess, just as it would be unrealistic to think organisers could manage everything on their own. The simple truth is that both need to play their part: organisers should arrange bins and volunteers during the event, while municipal staff can handle the bigger job of disposal. When this teamwork happens, the city stays clean, the community feels respected, and the event is remembered for its spirit, not for the trash it left behind.

Sahibpreet Singh

Govt should frame clear policies

Large religious gatherings often leave behind heaps of waste in public spaces. It should be the responsibility of organisers, not only municipal authorities, to ensure cleanliness after such events. Since they host the gathering, they must plan proper waste disposal. The government should also frame clear rules and policies making organisers accountable for post-event waste management. Preventive measures are equally important—disposable plastic items should be avoided and replaced with eco-friendly paper-based products. Furthermore, organisers must arrange proper dustbins at the event venue to encourage responsible disposal by participants. Municipal bodies can provide oversight and final support, but the primary duty should rest on those who organise the events. Only with such shared yet organiser-led accountability can we maintain hygiene, protect the environment, and respect the spirit of community celebrations.

Navneet Singh

With privilege comes accountability

Religious events are moments of faith, togetherness and joy. These bring communities closer, fill public spaces with devotion and create memories to cherish. However, once the celebrations are over, what often remains is a trail of waste — plastic plates, discarded flowers, and overflowing bins — turning those sacred spaces into eyesores. Organisers must take responsibility for this. With the privilege of hosting a public event comes the duty to ensure proper waste management by arranging enough dustbins, deploying volunteers and coordinating timely disposal. At the same time, municipal authorities must also play their role by providing infrastructure and ensuring swift post-event cleaning. Cleanliness is not the task of one group alone; it is a shared duty. When organisers, civic bodies and citizens work together, celebrations can remain as pure and beautiful as the devotion that inspires these.

Puneetpal Kaur