Eco-Friendly Maha Kumbh 2025: 'One Plate, One Bag' To Replace Plastic, Green Kumbh, Waste Management | Details

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is considered the most important event in this year's Hindu religious almanac with atleast 40 crore pilgrims expected to attend the event. Under the National Clean Ganga Mission, the authorities in charge of the mega congregation have left no stone unturned to present it as a model example of environmental conservation and cleanliness.

The National Clean Ganga Mission prioritised maintaining the purity of river Ganga during Maha Kumbh 2025 considering the questionable water quality where millions of pilgrims are taking bath everyday. Besides Ganga, the focus is also on sustainable waste management, and creating plastic-free zones to spread awareness about cleanliness and environmental protection in society.

'One Plate, Pne Bag': An initiative to replace plastic

In a bid to make Maha Kumbh a plastic-free event, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday launched the 'One Plate, One Bag' campaign. According to an official of the organization,Murar Tripathi, "Cloth bags and carry bags are being distributed to visitors, with around 70,000 such bags already handed out from six centres. Additionally, he shared that 2 million steel plates and glasses have been collected from across the country," Tripathi said.

"These steel plates and glasses are being distributed to all langars (community kitchens) and food outlets within the mela area to replace plastic and thermocol utensils," Tripathi said.

Prominent attendees at the event included Rajendra Saxena, RSS Kshetra Marg Pramukh, and Ramesh Kumar, Prant Pracharak of the Kashi region of RSS. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also urged people to adopt eco-friendly practices and avoid single-use plastic during pilgrimage.

Waste management, FRP toilets: Sustainability in focus

Under the National Clean Ganga Mission, the authorities implemented special cleanliness management measures at a cost of rupees 152.37 crore for Mahakumbh 2025.

From modern technology to traditional practices- the eco-friendly drive encompasses everything to ensure a clean and sustainable environment.

Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets

The authorities have installed over 28,000 toilets, including 12,000 Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) toilets equipped with septic tanks and 16,100 pre-fabricated steel toilets with soak pits across the fairgrounds.

These FRP toilets are a part of an eco-friendly approach while ensuring cleanliness. Additionally, 20,000 community urinals have been set up to ensure a comfortable and hygienic experience for devotees while promoting eco-friendly practices.

Trash cans installed to segregate waste

To ensure effective waste management in the event area, 20,000 trash bins have been installed to help segregate waste at the source. To further streamline waste collection and disposal, 37.75 lakh liner bags have been provided.

This well-organized waste management system will keep the event area clean and eco-friendly. The strategies adopted for Mahakumbh 2025 will not only set high standards for cleanliness but also demonstrate the country's commitment to environmental sustainability.

'Green Maha Kumbh': Environment in focus

In compliance with the vision of a 'Clean Mahakumbh', authorities have deployed government agencies, public representatives, and local citizens to ensure the success of this historic event without causing any harm to the environment. 

As per a press release by the Ministry of Culture, as part of this cleanliness initiative, the Swachhata Rath Yatra was launched today in Prayagraj.

Furthermore, on January 31, Uttar Pradesh's Sangam city is set to host the 'Green Mahakumbh' organised by Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas where over 1,000 environmentalists will assemble to hold discussions on nature and cleanliness.

A national-level discussion will focus on issues related to nature, the environment, water, and cleanliness. Experts will share insights and experiences on maintaining the balance of the five elements of nature and addressing the challenges they face, a release read.

Additionally, discussions will explore ways to raise awareness among Mahakumbh visitors about environmental protection and cleanliness, as well as the campaigns being undertaken to promote these efforts.