Deepak Mishra, Jharkhand Spirit: One of the world's most revered Jain pilgrimage destinations, Shikharji (Parasnath Hill) in Jharkhand's Giridih district is set to become a plastic-free pilgrimage site under a unique environmental initiative jointly supported by the local Jain community, non-Jain residents, and the Shri Shikharji Swachhta Samiti.
The initiative aims to preserve the religious sanctity and ecological balance of the sacred hill, where nearly 500,000 to 700,000 pilgrims from India and abroad visit every year to pay homage at the Nirvana Bhoomi of 20 Jain Tirthankaras.
Pilgrims Will No Longer Carry Plastic Bottles
Under the new system, pilgrims visiting Madhuban and climbing Parasnath Hill will not be allowed to carry plastic water bottles during the pilgrimage.
Visitors may purchase bottled water from local shops, but shopkeepers will transfer the water into reusable stainless steel bottles provided through a refundable deposit system. Once the bottle is returned after the pilgrimage, the security deposit will be refunded.
Pilgrims are also being encouraged to bring their own steel bottles from home. Those who do not have one will be provided with a reusable bottle by the committee.
Plastic Waste to Be Collected and Recycled
To ensure proper waste management, additional dustbins are being installed throughout Madhuban and along the pilgrimage route. Pilgrims will be requested to empty the water from plastic bottles into steel bottles and dispose of the empty plastic containers in designated bins.
The committee also plans to purchase collected plastic bottles from shopkeepers to ensure scientific disposal and recycling, preventing plastic waste from reaching the sacred hill.
A free drinking water centre will also be established at the foothill where pilgrims can refill their steel bottles before beginning the trek.
Campaign to Be Implemented Within Two Months
According to Tej Narayan Mehta, President of the Shri Shikharji Swachhta Samiti, awareness campaigns have already begun among shopkeepers, pilgrims, and local residents. The committee expects to implement the complete system within the next two months with the support of various religious and social organizations.
A Cleanliness Movement Inspired by Swachh Bharat
The cleanliness campaign at Shikharji began several years ago when a group of local youths decided to address the growing problem of litter in Madhuban, inspired by India's Swachh Bharat Mission.
What started as a voluntary effort gradually evolved into the Shri Shikharji Swachhta Samiti, formally constituted on June 17, 2021, in the presence of the then Deputy Commissioner Uma Shankar Singh.
Today, the organization consists of:
- A 12-member executive committee
- Around 20 volunteers
- Nearly 20 sanitation workers
The committee receives support from Jain institutions, local residents, the village panchayat, and administrative officials.
Six Tonnes of Waste Removed Every Year
Besides maintaining cleanliness in Madhuban's streets throughout the year, the committee regularly cleans the pilgrimage route leading to Parasnath Hill.
Between February and March alone, volunteers collected approximately 450 kilograms of discarded plastic bottles from the hill.
Overall, nearly six tonnes of waste are removed annually from the pilgrimage area, making it one of the largest community-led cleanliness initiatives at any religious destination in eastern India.
Waste Disposal Remains a Challenge
Despite the success of the campaign, waste disposal continues to be a major concern.
The land earlier allotted by the administration for dumping waste has reached its capacity, creating difficulties in managing the increasing volume of garbage and plastic collected daily from the pilgrimage route.
The committee has urged authorities to provide a sustainable waste management solution alongside the ongoing plastic-free initiative.
"The committee has transformed cleanliness standards in Madhuban over the past few years. Our next mission is to eliminate plastic waste from Parasnath Hill. With the cooperation of pilgrims, shopkeepers, and local institutions, this campaign will soon become a reality." -
Tej Narayan Mehta
President, Shri Shikharji Swachhta Samiti
"The initiative to make Shikharji plastic-free is highly commendable. The sanctity of a holy pilgrimage is preserved not only through spiritual devotion but also through cleanliness and environmental protection. Every pilgrim and local resident should actively support this noble campaign."
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- Acharya Suyash Surishwar Ji Maharaj
Founder, Sarak Bhavan
"Our goal is to make the entire Shikharji pilgrimage route completely plastic-free. Plastic bottles will be collected separately, while pilgrims will receive water in refundable stainless-steel bottles. We also appeal to visitors to bring their own steel bottles whenever possible." -
- Vidyabhushan Mishra
Shri Shikharji Swachhta Samiti
"The Swachhta Samiti has completely changed the image of Shikharji. This plastic-free initiative will not only protect the environment but also leave every pilgrim with a positive impression of this sacred destination."
Abhishek Sinha
Manager, Bhomiya Bhavan, Madhuban
Why This Matters
As one of Jainism's holiest pilgrimage sites, Shikharji attracts visitors from across India and abroad. The plastic-free initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable religious tourism, combining environmental responsibility with the preservation of the site's spiritual and natural heritage.
About Jharkhand Spirit
Jharkhand Spirit is an independent digital news platform covering Jharkhand's heritage, religion, tourism, environment, governance and grassroots stories with a special focus on Shikharji, Parasnath Hills and Giridih.
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