Manimahesh Yatra: Ban Imposed on Small Water Bottles and Snack Packets Along Pilgrimage Route
Himachal administration introduces strict eco-protection measures, mandatory registration and enhanced safety arrangements ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
SHIMLA, Aug. 7: The Himachal Pradesh administration has introduced a series of environmental and safety measures for the upcoming Manimahesh Yatra, including a ban on the sale of small water bottles, snack packets, cigarettes and other tobacco products along the pilgrimage route to protect the ecologically fragile Manimahesh Valley.
Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal reviewed preparations during an inspection of facilities from Hadsar village to Dal Lake, Manimahesh. He directed officials to strengthen arrangements related to security, drinking water, sanitation, waste management and pilgrim halting points while urging local shopkeepers to support conservation efforts by complying with the restrictions.
Situated at an altitude of 18,547 feet in Chamba district, the sacred Manimahesh Kailash peak is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most revered pilgrimage destinations dedicated to Lord Shiva. The annual yatra, which involves a 14 kilometre trek from Hadsar to Dal Lake, is scheduled to begin on August 17 and continue until the end of September. Even before the official opening, nearly 60 pilgrims and trekkers are completing the journey each day.
Officials said the prohibition on small packaged water bottles and snack packets is aimed at reducing plastic waste and preventing environmental damage in the high-altitude region. The administration has also barred the sale of bidis, cigarettes and other tobacco products throughout the pilgrimage route to help maintain a clean and pollution-free atmosphere.
Authorities have appealed to traders to strictly follow the guidelines, stressing that preserving the valley’s biodiversity and natural heritage is a shared responsibility during the pilgrimage season.
To improve crowd management, around 5,000 pilgrims will be permitted to undertake the yatra each day, subject to favourable weather conditions, except on the two peak pilgrimage dates of September 4 and September 19, when separate arrangements will be in place.
Safety protocols have also been strengthened following last year’s tragedy, when 15 people lost their lives due to heavy rainfall along the circumambulation route. As a precaution, the Manimahesh Trust has restricted access to the parikrama route for pilgrims from outside Himachal Pradesh. However, residents of Kugti village, pilgrims from Lahaul using the traditional route and trekkers accompanied by experienced guides will continue to be allowed.
The administration has also made registration compulsory for all pilgrims participating in this year’s Manimahesh Yatra, aiming to enhance monitoring, emergency response and overall safety throughout the pilgrimage.
