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Mahakumbh 2025 will be remembered for sustainability initiatives, too

The use of sustainable alternatives during the Mahakumbh 2025 sets new benchmarks in conducting large events using sustainable material, transport and lighting

Mahakumbh 2025, which started on January 13, 2025 and will go in till February 26, 2025 in Prayagraj, will be remembered not only for attracting the largest number of pilgrims ever, but also for various green initiatives. Apart from the government, others like corporates, education institutions and civil society are making their green mark at the event. 

The responsibility for its management lies with the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA), the central body overseeing Mahakumbh 2025 under the guidance of the Uttar Pradesh government. Tasked with ensuring the smooth execution of the event, the PMA is implementing over 550 projects, with an estimated budget of Rs 7,000 crore, elaborates Munmun Jha and Sayan Chattopadhyay, faculty members at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, which is undertaking a comprehensive review of Mahakumbh 2025. 

They add, “These (the Mahakumbh) initiatives span infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, security enhancements, and essential services to accommodate and ensure the safety and comfort of millions of attendees.”

The National Clean Ganga Mission has carved a roadmap for managing waste and ensuring plastic free zones at the Mahakumbh. Fibre reinforced plastic toilets and prefabricated steel toilets with soak pits have been set up for sanitation. Trash cans have been set up to differentiate waste at the source following the principles of reuse and recycle. 

Coca Cola India is using recycled materials through its Maidaan Saaf initiative to reduce waste and propel recycling. 21,500 recycled PET jackets have been given to sanitation workers, boatmen and waste management volunteers. Recycled multi layered plastic waste have been used to make changing rooms for women. 

“The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future,” says Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India.

Additionally, Indian Space Research Organisation, and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have been enrolled for advanced waste management. Collection of garbage is monitored by artificial intelligence.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also come up with the, “one plate, one bag” initiative under which steel plates and glasses have been collected throughout the country and then distributed in the langars, thereby reducing single-use plastic and thermocol utensils. Cloth bags are also distributed to check the usage of plastic usage. Dona-pattal, India’s old sustainable alternative, is being used.

Luxury segment green tents have been constructed with natural recyclable material. Green tents have no plastic zone, and glass bottles have been used in tents.

Amazon has upcycled the packaging boxes under the initiative Dibbon Se Badhkar and made these into compact layers to create beds for the pilgrims. The beds will be disposed of after the event.

Additionally, to cut emissions of the transportation, e- rickshaws have been deployed. Adani Group has provided battery operated green golf carts for the pilgrims at the Kumbh. Ola Electric is also offering green mobility to pilgrims of Mahakumbh. 

“At PepsiCo India, Sting is powering pilgrims’ journeys at the Maha Kumbh by supporting electric vehicles for clean and seamless travel, while also introducing over 200 charging points to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. These efforts aim to energize and enhance the comfort and convenience of every pilgrim’s experience,” says a PepsiCo India spokesperson. 

Hybrid solar powered lights and LED lights have been installed to cut on emissions. 

Such green initiatives are earning appreciation from pilgrims, too.  

Kishori Vijay Mandhare, a content creator on Instagram at the Mahakumbh, says, “My visit to the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj was a revelation of how tradition can harmonise with sustainability. Witnessing the government’s efforts to manage the world’s largest gathering with eco-conscious measures like biodegradable infrastructure, solar lighting, e-rickshaws, bio-gas-linked sanitation, and efficient waste management left me inspired.” 

She adds, “The meticulous planning and round-the-clock cleanliness teams showcased a commitment to preserve both cultural heritage and the environment. Mahakumbh 2025 truly exemplifies how ancient wisdom and modern sustainability can walk hand in hand.”