Green activists collect 5 tonne waste from Manimahesh trek

As the annual Manimahesh pilgrimage is approaching its culmination, green activists and sanitation workers deployed along the 14-km trek have over 5,000 kg of waste from six major halting points of the yatra so far.

The waste was sorted and segregated before being packed into bags.

Volunteers of Dharamsala-based group Dhauladhar Cleaners and Healing Himalayas from Manali have been shouldering the responsibility, along with a 100-strong force of sanitation workers deployed by the administration, to maintain cleanliness during the pilgrimage and to minimise harm to ecology.

It was for the first time that the Bharmour administration had put in place arrangements for on-the-spot segregation of plastic and other solid waste.

Arvind Sharma, founder of the Dhauladhar Cleaners, said they were overseeing waste management and maintaining cleanliness at the halting points en route the Manimahesh Lake.

“Besides, through personal interaction and placards, our volunteers also spread awareness among the pilgrims and shopkeepers about environmental responsibility and importance of maintaining cleanliness,” he added.

The volunteers and sanitation workers were deployed along the trek from August 23, three days prior to the official start of the Yatra. Special emphasis was being laid on the management of plastic waste, with on-site segregation being key strategy. There was a complete ban on carrying polythene bags.

Till September 6, an aggregate of 909 bags weighing 5,025 kg waste was collected at the halting points.

As per the data, 630 kg waste was collected from the Manimahesh Lake area; 995kg waste at Gaurikund; 579 kg waste at Sundrasi; 775 kg waste at Dhancho and 340 kg waste was collected at Donali.

A maximum of 1,706 kg of waste filled in 265 bags was collected at Hadsar, the base camp of the pilgrimage, said Sharma.

The waste segregation process involved sorting materials such as plastic, wrappers and clothes.

A total of 1,808 kg of multi-layered plastic, 1,680 kg of empty milk packets and wrappers, 75 kg wrappers of chips and 66 kg of clothes have been segregated at these points.

After the Yatra concludes on September 11, the waste would be transported to the nearest road from where it would be disposed scientifically. Recyclable waste would be sent to recycling facilities.

Close shave for 5 as chopper suffers bird hit

A major mishap was averted on Monday when a bird hit a helicopter carrying pilgrims from Gauri Kund to Bharmour during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. The bird entered the helicopter’s cabin after colliding with the windshield, causing panic among the five pilgrims onboard. A woman sustained minor injuries in the incident. Despite the collision, the pilot demonstrated exceptional composure and skill, preventing the helicopter from losing balance. He calmed the passengers and landed the helicopter at Bharmour helipad.

Additional District Magistrate Kulbir Singh Rana said the incident occurred mid-flight between Gauri Kund and Dhancho. An investigation into the incident has been initiated, he added.