Protecting the Sacred: Strict Regulations Proposed for Manimahesh Yatra

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended stringent regulations for the annual Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the influx of pilgrims. A joint committee, comprising the Chamba deputy commissioner and deputy conservator of forests, has proposed a comprehensive plan to manage human activity on the sensitive trek route, including capping daily pilgrim numbers, mandatory online registration, and an eco cess. The report highlights the need for stricter control over commercial activities, with specific zones designated for commercial structures and a ban on commercial activity and langars near the Manimahesh lake. The committee also recommends scientific waste management, including waste segregation at source and a material recovery facility, and increased sanitation facilities. These measures aim to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Manimahesh region while ensuring a safe and sustainable pilgrimage experience for devotees.