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Uttarkashi: After Gangotri, Yamunotri Dham is now facing pollution concerns as devotees continue the practice of offering clothes directly into the Yamuna River. The tradition, rooted in faith, is harming the river’s fragile ecosystem and raising alarm among priests, environmentalists, and the administration.

Devotees visiting Yamunotri Dham to worship Mother Yamuna are throwing colorful garments and other materials into the river. As a result, piles of clothes are being washed ashore along the banks. This not only spoils the natural beauty of the river but also affects the cleanliness of its waters.

Instead of offering items at the temple, many devotees are directly immersing them into the river. Over time, these offerings accumulate as waste, creating visible pollution at the very source of the Yamuna.

Priests and locals raise concern

The priestly community and Chardham Yatra workers have repeatedly appealed to devotees not to throw clothes into the river. However, their efforts have not been effective. Local priests including Purushottam Uniyal, Suresh Uniyal, Manoj Uniyal, and Mahavir Panwar, along with environmentalists, warn that if strict steps are not taken soon, it will be difficult to preserve the uninterrupted flow of the Yamuna.

They have demanded that the administration enforce rules and launch awareness campaigns to protect the river. “Faith must go hand in hand with responsibility,” said one priest, stressing that devotion should not harm the environment.

Administration’s response

Brijesh Kumar Tiwari, Chairman of the Yamunotri Temple Committee and SDM, acknowledged that the practice is rooted in tradition. However, he admitted that its adverse effects cannot be ignored. He assured that efforts will be made to maintain cleanliness in collaboration with the District Panchayat and related agencies.

Officials have promised stricter monitoring along the riverbanks and awareness drives to educate pilgrims about the importance of keeping the river clean.

Environmental impact

Environmentalists warn that pollution at the source of the Yamuna could have long‑term consequences. Waste materials like clothes and synthetic fabrics do not decompose easily, leading to water contamination and harm to aquatic life. The accumulation of waste also affects the river’s flow and natural beauty, which is central to Yamunotri’s identity as a pilgrimage site.

Call for responsible devotion

The incident highlights the need for responsible devotion. While faith is central to the Char Dham Yatra, it must be balanced with environmental protection. Priests, locals, and officials are united in their appeal: devotees should express their faith through temple offerings and prayers, not by polluting the river.

If awareness campaigns and strict enforcement are implemented, Yamunotri can continue to be a symbol of purity and devotion without compromising its ecological health.