Green drive launched to keep Dharmasthala pilgrim route litter-free

Mangaluru: With Mahashivratri around the corner and a sea of devotees set to arrive at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, the Berubhumi team of volunteers launched a campaign to place gunny bags along the pilgrimage route from Dharmasthala to Hassan to collect waste. They urged devotees to refrain from littering forest stretches along the way.Every year, devotees from across the state make their way to Dharmasthala for Mahashivratri, and this year too, an estimated two to three lakh pilgrims are expected. Nearly 90% of them undertake the journey on foot at least one way, said temple sources. The temple is also making arrangements to address medical emergencies, providing food, and spreading awareness by asking people not to dump waste at the roadside.
Yashas, from Berubhumi, said that the campaign is being undertaken for the second consecutive year, with a focus on the Hassan–Dharmasthala stretch, which spans over 100km. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake a padayatra along this route for Mahashivaratri and often dump waste, particularly plastic, posing a serious threat to forests and water bodies.To address the issue, the organisation will place gunny bags at intervals of every 0.5km along the route for waste collection. The funds for this cause were raised through donations. In addition, mesh baskets are being installed at strategic locations, and arrangements will be made to ensure scientific disposal of the collected waste, he said."Unscientific dumping of waste is the biggest concern, as it can lead to forest fires. We saw devotees discarding cigarette butts and even cooking along the route," Yashas said. To curb this, volunteers will make regular announcements and actively discourage littering during the pilgrimage. Devotees are often unaware of the dangers posed by plastic and microplastics to the environment, said Yashas.Volunteers Ranjith, Praveen and Sachin are engaged in placing gunny bags and mesh bins.