Dehradun, May 2: Actress Arushi Nishank has lent her support to the ‘Sparsh Ganga’ campaign, aimed at making this year’s sacred Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand plastic-free. This initiative, which focuses on nature and environmental conservation, seeks to raise awareness among pilgrims and protect the Himalayas from waste.
In an interview, Nishank expressed, “This campaign is not just a recent endeavor for me; it has been a part of my life since I was born in the Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand. It is our birthplace, and safeguarding it is our collective responsibility.”
The actress voiced her concerns about the increasing crowd and waste problem, noting that millions of tons of waste accumulate here every year, with plastic waste being the most hazardous. She shared the idea of a ‘sub-floor economy’ (earning from waste), emphasizing that travelers can earn merit by disposing of plastic in the right bins.
Nishank elaborated on the campaign’s strategy, stating, “Around 10,000 volunteers will be deployed at approximately 200 designated locations along the travel route. Numerous dustbins have been placed to accommodate the large number of visitors. Volunteers will guide travelers on how to dispose of different types of waste. All collected plastic bottles will be sent for recycling, in partnership with specialized institutions.”
Dr. Kalyan Singh Rawat, the founder of the ‘Mati Swastika’ campaign and a Padma Shri awardee, also commented on the situation. He noted that while the Himalayas are filled with tourists, the piles of plastic are also increasing. He warned that plastic is now breaking down into micro and nano-plastics, which are entering our bodies through the air, contributing significantly to the rising incidence of heart attacks at a young age.
Dr. Rawat clarified that the plastic crisis is not limited to tourists; it has also been exacerbated by waste generated during weddings and rituals in villages. He stated, “We have established ‘waste houses’ in villages, but we have not been able to change people’s mindset. They still spread waste in their courtyards. We need to change our thinking and start using traditional metal utensils instead of plastic.”
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Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
