HimVani
Dharamshala (July 12): Following the success of campaign to clean up mountain slopes along the route taken during Manimahesh pilgrimage in Chamba district, Mountain Cleaners are ready for the Yatra this year as well. The annual pilgrimage trip held in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is attended by approximately 8 lakh people every year and the heavy rush of pilgrims has affected the fragile area considerably.
The sheer number of people that attend each year inevitably means the trail and campsites become filthy. Last year Mountain Cleaners conducted a six-week clean up and recycling campaign from Bharmour to Manimahesh Lake to try and tackle and provide solutions for the waste problem. They were supported by the Yatra Committee and the deputy commissioner of Chamba, Devesh Kumar, who arranged for the project to be financed. This year’s Yatra is being funded by GMR group who are building the Holi Bajoli hydroelectric plant.
Jodie Underhill, the founder and drive behind Mountain Cleaners, said, “We are extremely grateful to GMR group for offering financial assistance and would like to extend our thanks to DC Chamba, ADM Bharmour and the Yatra Committee for their continued support”.
Plans for this year’s Yatra are already underway as the Mountain Cleaners prepare to spend the months of August and September, managing the waste disposal, cleaning the trails and camps whilst maximising recycling as well as running educational programs for pilgrims and local school children.
