Nashik: 980 kg plastic waste cleared from Brahmagiri on World Water Day; NTKMA launches sustained ‘Clean Kumbh 2027’ drive

Nashik, 22nd March 2026: Marking World Water Day, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA), in association with Central Bank of India and Satsang Foundation, organised the ‘Swachh Brahmagiri Abhiyan’ at Brahmagiri hill in Trimbakeshwar. The drive, conducted at the origin of the Godavari river, led to the collection of around 980 kg of plastic waste.

The initiative, titled ‘Swachh Brahmagiri Abhiyan’, brought together religious leaders, government officials, institutions and volunteers in a coordinated effort to clean trekking trails and surrounding areas of the ecologically sensitive hill. Officials said the drive is part of a broader ‘Clean Kumbh 2027’ strategy that will see similar activities rolled out across key locations in the Kumbh Mela area in the coming months.

Prominent religious representatives who participated included Mahant Shankaranand Saraswati Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Anand Akhada, Thanapati Mahant Shantigiriji Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Dashnam Avahan Akhada, Thanapati Mahant Durganand Brahmachari of Shri Panchayati Agni Akhada, Thanapati Mahant Danmuniji Maharaj and Shivanandani Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Bada Udasin Nirvani Akhada, Mahant Digambar Ajaypuriji Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhada, and Thanapati Mahant Gopaldasji Maharaj and Bhagatramji Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Naya Udasin Akhada.

Among officials present were deputy conservator of forests (Western Zone) Siddhesh Savardekar, Trimbakeshwar Municipal Council president Triveni Tungar, chief officer Rahul Patil, NTKMA assistant commissioner Amol Chaudhary and tehsildar Makrand Diwakar, along with representatives of Satsang Foundation, forest department, municipal council and Nashik rural police.

Students and volunteers from Nashik Education Society’s Ashram School, Velunje, KK Wagh College of Engineering, Giridurga Bhatkanti Trekkers Group and Bhargavi Mahila Sevabhavi Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha actively participated in the drive, undertaking waste collection, segregation and trail cleaning activities.

NTKMA commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “Organising a cleanliness drive at the origin of the Godavari on World Water Day carries both symbolic and practical significance. This is not a one-time activity but the beginning of a continuous, people-driven movement under ‘Clean Kumbh 2027’. Similar initiatives will be carried out across the Kumbh Mela region to build awareness, strengthen waste management practices and ensure a clean, sustainable pilgrimage experience.”

TMC president Triveni Tungar said, “We are focusing on all necessary measures to ensure cleanliness at Brahmagiri and are committed to sustaining these efforts.”

Officials said the campaign will continue with a series of targeted drives, awareness activities and stakeholder engagement efforts to promote responsible behaviour and environmental stewardship in the run-up to the mega religious event.