A major environmental and cultural preservation effort, titled ‘With the River, We’, has been launched to make the holy site of Devghat Dham plastic-free. The campaign is being conducted by the Devghat Area Development Committee in collaboration with the Gaindakot-based organization Sahamati. The initiative seeks to prevent plastic waste from polluting the sacred waters where the Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, and Narayani rivers converge, ensuring that this revered pilgrimage site remains clean for generations to come.
Growing Threat from Plastic Pollution
According to Devghat Area Development Committee Executive Director Sadan Baral, plastic waste has become a serious environmental hazard in Devghat. Pilgrims often bring religious offerings in plastic bags, which are later discarded into the river after rituals. This has resulted in increasing water pollution, affecting not only the environment but also the sanctity of the religious site. “When plastic enters the river, it harms aquatic life, disrupts the ecosystem, and diminishes the purity of the sacred waters,” Baral explained.
Distribution of Cloth Bags to Replace Plastic
To combat this issue, the campaign has begun distributing cloth bags to discourage plastic use. These eco-friendly bags are being handed out to pilgrims at the river’s entry points, especially on Mondays during the month of Shrawan, when a large number of devotees visit for ritual bathing. “We give cloth bags in exchange for plastic ones, and this small act is already helping to reduce plastic waste,” said Baral. He stressed that while bag distribution is useful, raising awareness is the only long-term solution.
Targeting Pilgrims and Spreading Awareness
Baral pointed out that most plastic waste comes not from local residents but from visitors arriving from other districts. “Controlling plastic use requires awareness from the source—pilgrims must leave their homes without plastic bags,” he said. Alongside bag distribution, the campaign focuses on educating visitors about the dangers of plastic pollution and encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices.
Support from Local Governments
The campaign has received strong backing from the local governments of all three districts connected to Devghat, Nawalpur, Tanahun, and Chitwan. These municipalities have allocated budgets to support the initiative, showing that protecting Devghat’s environment is a shared priority. “Our aim is to see the Kali Gandaki, Trishuli, and Narayani rivers flow without pollution, allowing devotees to bathe without worry,” Baral stated.
Protecting Cultural and Natural Heritage
Emphasizing the historical and cultural value of rivers, Baral noted that human civilization has always flourished along riverbanks. “It is our duty to keep the rivers clean and allow them to flow pollution-free, not just for us but for future generations,” he said. Pilgrims who receive cloth bags are asked to return them after use so they can be reused by others, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Campaign Gains Momentum During Saun
Pushparaj Paudel, Information Officer of the Devghat Area Development Committee, said the ‘With the River, We’ campaign began in the month of Baishakh but is being given special emphasis during Saun, when pilgrim numbers peak. In partnership with Sahamati, additional cloth bags are being printed to meet demand. “We need support from all sectors to create a culture where people do not bring plastic to Devghat at all,” Paudel said. “The river is part of our civilization, and Devghat is a sacred center for all Hindus.”
Encouraging Responsible Pilgrimage
Paudel urged devotees to refrain from bringing not just plastic but any form of pollution to Devghat. Maintaining the sanctity of the site, he said, is a collective responsibility. To further strengthen the message, awareness boards and hoardings have been installed at key locations in the area, reminding visitors of the importance of keeping the pilgrimage site clean.
Broader Vision for a Plastic-Free Devghat
The initiative is part of a broader vision to transform Devghat into a model for environmentally sustainable pilgrimage tourism. By combining religious devotion with environmental responsibility, the campaign seeks to inspire similar movements at other sacred sites across Nepal. Organizers believe that protecting the rivers at Devghat is not just an act of environmentalism but also an expression of respect for faith, culture, and heritage.
The ‘With the River, We’ campaign reflects a growing awareness that preserving the sanctity of religious sites goes hand in hand with protecting the environment. With strong local government support, community involvement, and active participation from pilgrims, Devghat Dham is taking meaningful steps toward becoming a plastic-free zone. As Baral put it, “Keeping Devghat clean is our shared duty, when we protect our rivers, we protect our culture, our health, and our future.”
