Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], May 24: In a dedicated effort to preserve the sanctity and ecological balance of the Yamunotri Dham, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) spearheaded a special cleanliness drive on Saturday as part of the ongoing “Swachh Yamuna, Nirmal Yamuna, Aviral Yamuna” campaign.
The initiative was supervised by Circle Officer of Yamunotri and SDRF Assistant Commander Sushil Rawat, with an emphasis on deep-cleaning key religious sites including the Yamuna Ghat temple complex, Hanuman Temple, and the Kali Kamli area.
According to an official release, the drive saw active participation from SDRF personnel in collaboration with the district police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Home Guard, and Police Reserve Department (PRD) teams. Volunteers focused on clearing plastic waste, garbage, and other pollutants from areas surrounding the sacred Yamuna River, while also raising public awareness on the importance of maintaining cleanliness at pilgrimage sites.
“This initiative is not just an environmental necessity but a spiritual responsibility,” said Circle Officer Sushil Rawat. He commended the joint efforts of all officers, jawans, and employees, noting that such campaigns are crucial for keeping religious sites pure and welcoming for pilgrims.
The campaign coincides with the Char Dham Yatra 2025, which officially commenced on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dhams on Akshaya Tritiya. Kedarnath followed on May 2, and Badrinath opened its doors to devotees on May 4.
More than 22 lakh pilgrims have already registered at the Rishikesh Transit Camp, reflecting the high turnout for this year’s Yatra. The Char Dham pilgrimage circuit—comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—is one of Hinduism’s most sacred journeys and sees peak activity during the summer season in Uttarakhand.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has implemented extensive measures to ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling journey for the millions of devotees taking part in the pilgrimage.