Mahakumbh Nagar,14 February: Mahakumbh 2025 has witnessed several innovative initiatives aimed at environmental protection and cleanliness. The ‘Jal Kalash’ initiative has emerged as a major attraction among them. Established at Arail Ghat, Sector 24, Nishad Raj Marg, this initiative focuses on collecting and recycling used plastic water bottles from the Kumbh area to prevent their harmful impact on nature. So far, over 20,000 plastic bottles have been collected during this campaign.
The Jal Kalash initiative has been launched with the support of various organizations under the leadership of G. Ashok Kumar, former Director General of the Namami Gange Mission. This 20-day campaign, organized by Development Alternatives in collaboration with the HCL Foundation, runs from February 1 to February 20, 2025. At the local level, the Adarsh Seva Samiti and Mangal Bhumi Foundation are actively supporting the initiative.
Speaking at the initiative, G. Ashok Kumar said, "To make Mahakumbh a Green Kumbh, we have taken this small step by collecting plastic bottles used in the Kumbh area. The installation of Jal Kalash symbolizes the urgent need to prevent plastic waste from entering the Ganga. This effort reinforces the message that plastic pollution disrupts the uninterrupted flow and purity of the river. By placing these plastic bottles inside a Kalash, we hope to raise awareness and encourage people to keep the Ganga clean and free from plastic waste."
Environmental activist Rambabu Tiwari emphasized the importance of collective efforts in protecting the Ganga. He noted that just as the ‘Ek Thali Ek Thaila’ campaign successfully reduced pollution in this year's Kumbh, the Jal Kalash initiative has played a vital role in preventing plastic waste from polluting the sacred river. He praised the initiative by Development Alternatives and the HCL Foundation, describing it as a commendable step towards a Green Kumbh.
Several volunteers, including Meera Devi, Arun Kumar, Raj, Rishika, Yashi, and Satish, are actively participating in the Jal Kalash initiative.
