A special cleanliness drive was conducted on Saturday at the sacred Yamunotri Dham as part of the “Swachh Yamuna, Nirmal Yamuna, Aviral Yamuna” campaign, aimed at preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of this revered pilgrimage site. The drive was organised by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
The operation was led by Circle Officer Yamunotri and Assistant Commander of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Sushil Rawat. The campaign intensified cleaning efforts in key areas including the temple complex of Yamuna Ghat, Hanuman Temple, and the Kali Kamli vicinity.
According to an official statement, the drive involved coordinated participation from SDRF personnel alongside teams from the district police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Home Guard, and Police Reserve Department (PRD). The collaborative efforts focused on removing plastic waste, garbage, and other debris from the Yamuna River area while also promoting public awareness about the importance of maintaining cleanliness.
The initiative not only highlights environmental preservation but also aims to provide a safer and cleaner environment for the thousands of pilgrims and devotees visiting the holy site.
Circle Officer Sushil Rawat commended the joint effort, praising the dedication of all officers, jawans, and staff involved. He emphasised that the cleanliness and sanctity of religious places can only be maintained through such collective action.
The drive comes amid the ongoing Char Dham Yatra 2025, which officially commenced on April 30 with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham gates on Akshaya Tritiya. The Kedarnath temple opened on May 2, followed by the Shri Badrinath temple on May 4. Over 22 lakh pilgrims have registered for the sacred journey at the Rishikesh Transit Camp.
The Char Dham pilgrimage circuit includes four major temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna, originating from the Yamunotri Glacier, holds immense religious significance in the region. The pilgrimage season sees a surge in devotees visiting these sites, especially during the summer months.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government has made extensive preparations to ensure a safe, organised, and convenient journey for all devotees undertaking the Char Dham Yatra.