Tonnes of untreated waste have been dumped in pits around the famous Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath, raising concerns among environmentalists over the ecologically sensitive area. According to information obtained by environmentalists in Noida, Uttar Pradesh under Right to Information (RTI), a total of 49.18 tonnes of untreated waste generated by Kedarnath was dumped in two pits near the temple between 2022 and 2024.
17.50 tons of waste generated so far in 2024
Replying to a question, the Uttarakhand government said that untreated waste generated in the region has steadily increased during this period. 13.20 tons of waste will be generated in 2022, 18.48 tons of waste will be generated in 2023, and 17.50 tons of waste will be generated so far this year. In addition, the ecologically sensitive area also generated 23.30 tons of inorganic waste during this period.
Replying to a question from RTI activist Amit Gupta, the public information officer of Kedarnath Nagar Panchayat said that all this waste has been recycled. Gupta said, “From the data received by RTI, the amount of waste generated and the extent of unprocessed waste is shocking. This once again proves that the eco-sensitive Kedarnath has no waste management system.” He said, “The temple is located in At 12,000 feet above sea level, there are also glaciers. The area’s environmental sensitivity is unquestionable.
Prime Minister Modi also mentioned in Mann Ki Baat
The lack of proper waste management in Kedarnath had also been mentioned in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat scheme last year. But authorities are doing nothing to bring plastic waste to the surface and recycle it. “The environmentalist said that the two pits located near the temple are almost full and if this situation continues, this will happen by 2013. Such a tragedy is inevitable.” He said, in response At the time of the RTI, it was stated that no complaints had been received during this period and no action had been taken against the irresponsible waste disposal, which he said made the situation even more worrisome. I have been writing to the authorities concerned about the garbage situation in Kedarnath. I alone filed at least six complaints.
Untreated waste discharged directly into Mandakini
He said, “The National Green Tribunal and National Clean Ganga Mission have also taken note of my complaint and directed the authorities to set up adequate wastewater treatment plant in Kedarnath to eliminate untreated waste located in the eco-sensitive Himalayan holy land .” Instructions have been given.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga has also written to the Rudraprayag district administration asking them to take necessary steps to stem the rising pollution levels in the Mandakini river, which flows near Dham in Himalayas. The Ganga delegation issued these directions based on a complaint filed by Gupta on the basis of information received from RTI, which stated that due to lack of wastewater treatment plant in Kedarnath, untreated waste was directly discharged into the tributary Mandakini River Ganga , as pollution is increasing.
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