A special morning clean up took place in Rishikesh as Parmarth Rishikumars joined volunteers from around the world to clean up the Rishikesh Swargashram Region. They were inspired and motivated by GIWA Co-Founder Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji’s divine example.
The clean-up raised local awareness on the need and the urgency of keeping our localities clean and green for all. It also engaged and inspired youth to be the change they want to see in their communities. Nearly 50+bags of plastic and non-biodegradable waste was collected and the municipality JCB also later joined in the efforts to clean up what seemed like years of collected waste.
Plans were made to secure the region to prevent future dumping, engage and implement a polluters’-pay policy to prevent future dumping by locals.
Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Secretary-General of GIWA, who joined the occasion, expressed her concern by saying, “We must engage and empower our community to not burn waste, as burning of waste is the single greatest cause of air pollution in Rishikesh. Rishikesh and Uttarakhand are a green oxygen bank for many, and it pulls so many to come to the region for wellness and health tourism. But if we don’t manage our solid waste appropriately and involve the people in the process, we will not only contaminate our land, our water but also our air. To prevent this we are always ready to support the local bodies’ efforts to keep Swargashram clean, green and serene for all.”
Shri Madhav Agarwal shared, “I am sure that with Parmarth Niketan and Pujya Swamiji’s support, these efforts will be both sustainable and effective. I have many plans and great commitment to make this region truly Swarg (heavenly). In the next few months we will be working on improving the lighting along our streets, the effective solid waste management, painting and so much more. I am certain that with your support we can do this together.”
Pujya Swamiji, who was travelling on the occasion, sent in his written message saying, “I am so proud of the youth and our Gurukul gathered here today, this is really the need of the hour. If every Gurukul and spiritual institution can join forces to create this change, many youth will follow suit. I am also glad that the local leadership is leading by example!”
