Maha Kumbh 2025: A Milestone in Sustainable Pilgrimage Practices
Prayagraj, February 19, 2025: The Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, draws nearly 50 crore devotees to the sacred confluence of the Sangam. This monumental event presents the unique challenge of harmonising faith with environmental responsibility. In 2025, the Maha Kumbh has set a remarkable example of sustainability, combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental preservation, setting a new standard for managing the environmental impact of large-scale religious events.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s forward-thinking initiative has enabled agencies to successfully capture and recycle 10-15 tonnes of floating waste daily. This “Maha achievement,” as it is being hailed, is made possible by the deployment of trash skimmers, integral to the Swachh Bharat Mission. Operated by Cleantec Infra, these skimmers work tirelessly around the clock to collect floral offerings, coconuts, and other debris left by pilgrims. While these offerings are deeply meaningful from a spiritual perspective, their accumulation can have a detrimental effect on the river’s fragile ecosystem. By capturing the waste in real-time, this initiative prevents the pollution of the river before decomposition occurs.
Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, emphasised the government’s dedication to seamlessly blending technology with human effort to enhance the experience for devotees. He pointed out that the deployment of trash skimmers plays a pivotal role in capturing waste as it arises and transporting it to the Baswar recycling plant. The magnitude of the operation is impressive, with 600 MT of waste already recycled, 1.5 lakh toilets constructed, and 16,000 sanitation workers on the ground.
Gaurav Chopra, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Cleantec Infra, acknowledged the significance of a multi-pronged approach to waste management in such a massive event. “We applaud the foresight of the Uttar Pradesh government in implementing this initiative, and we’re proud to support its success. Our trash skimmers operate around the clock, ensuring that floating debris is collected, maintaining both the sanctity of the river and its environmental health,” he said. Chopra further highlighted Cleantec Infra’s role in providing the necessary technology and operational expertise, underscoring their focus on responsible waste management practices to protect the Ganga.
Each trash skimmer is equipped with a 13-cubic-meter capacity and a 3,600-kilogram holding capacity. On average, 10-15 tonnes of waste is collected daily, with peak days, such as Maaghi Paurnima, seeing this figure rise to 20-25 tonnes. These figures reflect both the immense scale of waste generated and the effectiveness of the deployed technology. Once collected, the waste is transported to the Baswar recycling facility, where it is processed, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Chopra concluded, “The initiative at the Maha Kumbh is more than just waste management, it’s a paradigm shift in how large-scale events can be environmentally managed. By embracing innovative technology and prioritising sustainability, the Uttar Pradesh government is setting a powerful example for future gatherings, proving that faith and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”
This pioneering approach to sustainable waste management at the Maha Kumbh offers a blueprint for large-scale events worldwide. By combining innovation with environmental stewardship, the Uttar Pradesh government has set a new precedent for future religious and public gatherings, demonstrating that with thoughtful planning, it’s possible to honor both spiritual traditions and the planet.