RTI exposes nearly 50 tonnes of untreated waste in Kedarnath, could pose massive threat to fragile ecosystem

A recent RTI query has uncovered a troubling environmental issue in the holy town of Kedarnath, where tonnes of untreated waste are being dumped at landfill sites around the famous Himalayan temple. The findings, released in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request by environmental activist Amit Gupta, reveal a growing accumulation of waste in this ecologically sensitive region, sparking concern for both local and national environmental advocates.

The data disclosed by the Uttarakhand government shows that between 2022 and 2024, over 49.18 tonnes of unprocessed garbage were disposed of in two landfills near the Kedarnath temple. The volume of untreated waste has been steadily rising, with 13.2 tonnes generated in 2022, increasing to 18.48 tonnes in 2023, and already reaching 17.5 tonnes so far this year.

Beyond untreated waste, the report shows that Kedarnath produced an additional 23.3 tonnes of inorganic garbage during this period, which was processed or recycled, according to Kedarnath Nagar Panchayat officials. Yet the untreated waste, left to accumulate in a vulnerable environment, is a major cause for concern.

Growing environmental threat in Kedarnath

Located at 12,000 feet with nearby glaciers, Kedarnath is an eco-sensitive area, making proper waste management crucial to maintaining its delicate balance. Gupta, who filed the RTI, expressed alarm over the findings, noting, “The RTI data is shocking both in terms of the quantity of garbage generated and the manner in which it has been left untreated. It proves once again that there is no proper garbage management system in Kedarnath.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had even mentioned the need for better waste management in Kedarnath during his "Mann Ki Baat" program last year, yet Gupta and others say little progress has been made on the ground. Gupta warns that if the untreated waste continues to accumulate, it could lead to another disaster similar to the devastating floods that struck Kedarnath in 2013.

Urgent need for action

Currently, the two landfill sites in the area are nearing full capacity, heightening concerns about waste overflow. Gupta claims he has filed numerous complaints over the last two years, raising awareness about the garbage issue. Despite these efforts, there has been no formal action or registered complaint by authorities to curb irresponsible waste disposal.

Government bodies have taken note of Gupta’s complaints. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) have both issued directives to address the situation, urging the installation of adequate sewage treatment plants in Kedarnath. The NMCG has also contacted Rudraprayag district authorities, stressing the importance of immediate steps to stop untreated waste from polluting the nearby Mandakini River, a tributary of the Ganga.

The RTI findings indicate that the lack of sewage treatment plants in Kedarnath is allowing waste to flow directly into the Mandakini, contributing to rising pollution levels. With concerns mounting for both the health of the environment and the community, Gupta and environmental advocates continue to call for an overhaul of Kedarnath’s waste management practices.

Call for sustainable solutions

The revelations have underscored an urgent need for sustainable waste management in Kedarnath. With thousands of pilgrims visiting each year, the demand on the area’s waste systems is high. Environmental advocates argue that setting up effective sewage treatment plants, along with efficient garbage collection and processing, is crucial for the area’s future.

For now, Kedarnath’s ecological future rests on whether authorities can implement these changes promptly, as the temple and the surrounding environment face growing risks. As Gupta put it, “This holy site in the fragile Himalayas deserves a cleaner, safer future.”

(With inputs from agencies)