Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

By leveraging the expertise, resources, and innovation of private partners, SHGs, other organizations, the Swachh and plastic-free Maha Kumbh has made a more effective and sustainable approach to cleanliness at the Mela. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the collaborative involvement brings advanced waste management solutions, eco-friendly technologies, and heightened awareness campaigns, making the event not only cleaner but also a model for large-scale waste reduction and environmental consciousness.

One of the flagship initiatives, Maidan Saaf, a partnership between Mela authorities & Coca-Cola India and local authorities, saw preparation of 21,000 jackets made from recycled plastics that were distributed to SafaiMitras. 10,000 life jackets were provided to boatmen at the Kumbh, further promoting the use of recycled materials. Additionally, 1,500 jackets were handed over to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engaged in sanitation work.

In a significant move towards women’s safety and comfort, 1,000 changing rooms constructed from recycled plastics were set up along a 12-km stretch. The initiative also includes the installation of reverse vending machines at key locations like railway stations and food courts, encouraging waste segregation and recycling.

The Jagrukta Vahan Yatra, in collaboration with Radio City, is spreading the message of cleanliness not just in the Mela area but throughout the city. The Dettol Banega Swasth India program has extended support to nearly 15,000 sanitation workers by providing essential hygiene training and making soaps readily accessible. Over 25 sectors of the Kumbh Mela have been equipped with hygiene volunteers to ensure cleanliness and safety.

To further raise awareness, the campaign is organizing traditional Nukkad Nataks, delivering impactful messages about the importance of handwashing and maintaining good health, swachhata and eco-friendly environment.

ITC’s Mission Sunehra Kal initiative took significant steps to curb plastic use at the Mela. Devotees were encouraged to avoid using plastic and foil, and shopkeepers were provided with blue and green dustbins for waste segregation. Plastic bags collected from devotees were exchanged for eco-friendly cloth bags, and efforts were made to collect plastic waste from the Sangam Ghats each evening. Public awareness campaigns were also conducted, highlighting effective waste management practices.

Leading hospitality companies are playing a key role in supporting food and beverage services at the Mela. In addition to their contributions, they are committed to promoting cleanliness by adopting eco-friendly alternatives for cutlery, packaging, and food supplies throughout the event, reinforcing the Mela’s sustainability goals.

At this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela, Amazon went beyond simply delivering packages. By transforming their iconic delivery boxes into portable beds, they not only provided devotees with a place to rest during the 45-day festival but also embraced the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This helped not only in repurposing and giving it a second life but also in minimizing waste and maximizing value.

Through these joint efforts, MoHUA is playing a vital role in promoting a plastic-free, environmentally conscious Kumbh Mela, and setting new benchmarks in cleanliness and community participation.