Joint Effort with NGOs and Pack Animals to Keep Kedarnath Route Clean

Rudraprayag district officials have announced a coordinated approach to tackle waste generated during the Kedarnath pilgrimage. District Commissioner Vishal Mishra highlighted that the sheer volume of devotees creates a significant sanitation challenge, prompting the launch of extra temporary sheds and modern segregation stations along the path.

Land earmarked for these installations will be prepared in partnership with the municipal corporation and the forest department, ensuring that each site complies with scientific waste‑handling standards. The administration will also strengthen the logistics chain for moving waste downhill, tapping into the existing network of horse and mule carriers.

A standout feature of the scheme is the "Carry Me Back" campaign, championed by the Healing Himalaya NGO. Under this banner, local volunteers, panchayat bodies and the animal‑carrier association will collect, separate and deliver waste to processing centres, aiming for near‑zero litter on the trail.

The overarching goal is to resolve systemic gaps in waste management, delivering a tidy, safe environment for pilgrims while safeguarding the fragile Himalayan ecology.