Haridwar is facing a major waste-management challenge following the conclusion of the annual Kanwar Yatra, with authorities working to clear an estimated 7,000 tonnes of garbage generated during the two-week pilgrimage. Nearly 48 million Kanwariyas visited the city during this year's Yatra, according to officials, making it the largest turnout recorded for the annual religious gathering.

Municipal officials said large quantities of waste have been found around several ghats along the Ganga, markets where pilgrims stopped for food and rest, roads connecting the city to national highways and designated parking areas used by the large processions.

The clean-up is expected to take several days as the waste has to be collected, transported to designated collection centres and subsequently disposed of. Authorities have deployed more than 1,000 sanitation personnel along with 100 outsourced workers for the operation. Around 80 vehicles have also been pressed into service for garbage collection, transportation and disposal.

Environmental experts have warned that delayed disposal could increase pollution risks, particularly for the Ganga. They said rainfall could carry accumulated waste into the river, potentially increasing the levels of plastic, sewage and other contaminants.

Gagan Matta, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Gurukula Kangri University, said a large temporary population during the Kanwar Yatra can have an impact on pollution levels in the river. He highlighted concerns over bacterial contamination and the possibility of microplastics entering the aquatic environment.

The city's seer community has also extended support to the administration's post-Yatra cleanliness campaign. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of recognised akhadas, has informed the district administration that monks and office-bearers from various akhadas will participate in the drive.

Ganga Sabha, which manages affairs at Brahmakund Har-ki-Pauri, has also started a cleanliness campaign. Volunteers and workers are helping ensure that waste is removed from the ghat before the evening Ganga Aarti and that pilgrims can access the area without inconvenience.