The ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj has attracted millions of devotees, but it has also led to a sharp rise in pollution in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Religious offerings and waste left behind by pilgrims have significantly impacted water cleanliness. To tackle the issue, trash skimmers are operating extensively, removing 10 to 15 tons of garbage daily to maintain cleanliness at the Sangam.
Massive Increase in River Waste
The influx of pilgrims has resulted in an unprecedented rise in river waste, including:
- Flowers, garlands, and incense sticks
- Plastic wrappers, bottles, and discarded clothes
- Coconuts and other religious items
Garbage collection has increased 20-fold from normal conditions, according to officials. Before Maha Kumbh, trash skimmers collected 50–60 quintals of waste daily, but the number has surged drastically since the event began.
Efforts to Keep the Rivers Clean
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has intensified cleaning operations to combat river pollution:
- Trash skimmers are deployed across a 4 km stretch, covering key areas like Sangam and the boat club.
- A second trash skimmer machine, acquired two years ago, has doubled cleaning capacity.
- Each skimmer has a 13 cubic meter capacity, ensuring efficient removal of floating waste from both the Ganga and Yamuna.
Waste Disposal Process
The collected waste is initially dumped at a designated site near Naini before being transported to a processing plant in Baswar for proper disposal.
About the Trash Skimmer Machine
- Designed to remove floating waste from rivers, ports, and seas.
- Capable of collecting plastic, metal objects, religious offerings, and even dead animals.
- Helps improve water quality for millions of devotees performing rituals.
Future Measures for Environmental Protection
With the number of devotees expected to rise in the coming weeks, authorities are considering additional cleaning mechanisms to prevent further environmental damage. Officials are also urging pilgrims to dispose of waste responsibly to protect the sanctity of the rivers.
Maintaining the spiritual and ecological balance of the Ganga and Yamuna is a collective responsibility, and awareness among pilgrims remains a key factor in ensuring clean and sacred waters during Maha Kumbh 2025.
