The district administration’s Carry Me Back policy is showing strong results at Kedarnath Dham. So far, 4,732 pilgrims have joined the campaign. Together, they have carried 12 tonnes of dry waste from Kedarnath to Gaurikund. Clearly, pilgrims themselves are now helping keep the shrine clean.
Under Kedarnath’s ‘Carry Me Back’ policy, 4,732 pilgrims have carried 12 tonnes of dry waste down to Gaurikund.
What Is the Carry Me Back Policy?
The Carry Me Back policy is a simple but smart idea. First, pilgrims receive special bags at Kedarnath Dham. Next, they collect about 4 to 5 kg of dry waste in these bags. Then, they carry the bags back with them to Gaurikund. Finally, the waste goes for proper disposal at the base.
Who Runs the Campaign?
Nagar Panchayat Kedarnath runs the campaign. Moreover, the Healing Himalayas Foundation and Sulabh International support it. Notably, the campaign runs during the yatra season. Its main goal is to keep the shrine clean and eco-friendly.
Pilgrims Join Voluntarily
Importantly, pilgrims take part in the campaign by choice. No one forces them to carry waste. Instead, many devotees see it as a service to the holy shrine. As a result, the campaign has turned into a people’s movement.
Why Waste Management at Kedarnath Is Hard
Kedarnath sits at about 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. Also, pilgrims must walk a steep 16 km trek from Gaurikund. Therefore, moving waste down the mountain is costly and difficult. Meanwhile, lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine each season. Consequently, plastic and other dry waste pile up quickly.
Moreover, waste in high-altitude areas harms fragile ecosystems. For instance, it can pollute streams and harm wild animals. So, the Carry Me Back policy tackles a real and growing problem.
Lessons from the Carry Me Back Policy
The campaign offers useful lessons for other hill shrines. First, it uses the large number of visitors as a strength. Second, it costs little and needs no heavy machinery. Third, it builds a sense of shared responsibility. Hence, similar models could work at other pilgrimage sites and trekking routes.
Why the Carry Me Back Policy Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about waste management and eco-friendly tourism in the state. So, remember the numbers: 4,732 pilgrims and 12 tonnes of dry waste. Also, note the partner organisations. Next, for a related story, read about Himalayan tahr conservation in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. For official updates, also visit the Rudraprayag district website. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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