Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

Recognized by the United Nations as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,' the Maha Kumbh Mela has long stood as a beacon of unity in diversity. This year, it is not only a sacred convergence of spirituality but also a landmark celebration of sustainability and cleanliness with crores of devotees already taking the divine dip. The Mela has evolved into a powerful movement for environmental consciousness, as communities from all corners of India unite. With groundbreaking initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and a zero-waste vision, this Maha Kumbh sets a new standard for integrating faith with swachhata & environmental responsibility.

Maha Kumbh is vibrant due to its colourful devotees, the SafaiMitras, the on-ground workers, SHGs and the unforgettable stories they take home. Each moment is a milestone of cleanliness, sustainability, and memorable firsts. A staggering 60 crore eco-friendly leaf plates, natural dona-pattals, kulhads, jute bags, and cloth bags are being produced and sold at 300 locations, both in the fair and urban areas of the Mela. These sustainable products are crafted by women from 28 districts of Uttar Pradesh, along with artisans from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, offering eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic.

Kanpur has sent 10,000 steel plates and cloth bags to the Mela, further boosting green initiatives. The city also dispatched 12 tipper vans and 36 SafaiMitras to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness. Meanwhile, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and environmental volunteers launched the ‘Ek Thali Ek Thaila’ initiative, distributing over 15 lakh steel plates and 20 lakh cloth bags to promote eco-friendly practices among devotees.

The Green Mahakumbh in Prayagraj will bring together over 1,000 environmental champions to focus on protecting the environment. A national-level discussion will feature experts addressing key issues of nature, water, and cleanliness, offering insights on maintaining harmony with the five elements and tackling current challenges. The discussions will also highlight efforts to raise awareness among Mahakumbh visitors about environmental protection and sustainability.

From Dumpsite to Dense Forest - Once a sprawling wasteland, the city's largest garbage dumping yard in Buswar tells a story of transformation and hope. Under the Miyawaki project, this once polluted site has been meticulously cleaned and revitalized. Over 9,000 square meters of land have been transformed into a thriving green space, home to 27,000 saplings of 27 different species. What was once a dump is now a dense forest, breathing new life into the surroundings and drastically improving the local environment.

As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the SafaiMitras at Kumbh are being offered a supportive and comfortable work environment, with benefits extending to their families as well. Vidya Kumbh lays the foundation for learning and growth for the children of the SafaiMitras, offering a transformative educational experience. Running for four months, the school provides access to essential learning materials, life-skills training, and a supportive environment designed to nurture both academic and personal development, ensuring a holistic foundation for the future.

Inspiring actions unfold across the Mela grounds—Dukan Ji, the Swachhata Ambassador, devotees honouring Safai Mitras, a 55,000 sq. ft. rangoli dedicated to cleanliness, and even a foreigner offering shramdaan. The Swachhata message spreads through swachhata Ambassadors seeking alms for cleanliness, and a mass feast held in gratitude for the Safai Mitras who maintain the Mela’s cleanliness.

The Swachhata music band has performed at the Green Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, using their tunes to raise awareness about cleanliness, while the Swachhata Rath Yatra is helping to keep the city pristine for the millions of visitors. Additionally, the Jagrukta Vahan Yatra, in partnership with Radio City, is taking the cleanliness message to every corner of the city. In an innovative push for door-to-door awareness, stickers promoting cleanliness have been placed on gas cylinders across the city.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 stands as a testament to the power of collective action, where spirituality meets sustainability, and every participant plays a role in fostering a clean, green Maha Kumbh.