Gujarat’s Pilgrimage Sites Get a Green Makeover

VAPI: Gujarat’s pilgrimage sites are set to receive a renewed cleanliness and environmental push, with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) launching the message of ‘Swachh Tirthasthan – Pavitra Gujarat Abhiyan’, urging devotees to combine faith with responsibility towards the environment.

The campaign focuses on keeping temples and pilgrimage centres clean while promoting waste segregation, plastic reduction and greater public participation. Its central message — “Cleanliness with faith, environment with devotion” — seeks to turn religious spaces into models of sustainable living.

Under the initiative, devotees have been urged not to litter public areas and to segregate waste at source. GPCB has also emphasised regular collection, scientific processing and recycling of recyclable waste at pilgrimage sites.

Particular attention has been drawn to reducing single-use plastic. Temple authorities and visitors are encouraged to use cloth bags and other environment-friendly alternatives. The campaign also calls for dedicated collection and storage arrangements for PET bottles.

“Cleanliness at pilgrimage sites cannot be achieved only through administrative efforts. Every devotee and visitor must become a partner in protecting the sanctity and environment of these places,” the campaign message said.

The initiative also seeks the active participation of NGOs, Sakhi Mahila Mandals, self-help groups, youth organisations and volunteers. Their involvement is expected to strengthen awareness and encourage communities to take ownership of cleanliness drives.

GPCB said the campaign goes beyond cleaning temple premises, linking religious tourism with waste management, plastic-free practices, environmental awareness and social responsibility.

The broader objective is to create cleaner, healthier and more environmentally responsible pilgrimage destinations across Gujarat.

The campaign’s message is clear: “Clean temple, healthy society, healthy environment.” With sustained participation from devotees, local organisations and volunteers, the initiative aims to transform pilgrimage centres into clean, beautiful and eco-friendly spaces while contributing to the larger vision of a Pavitra Gujarat.