Swachh
Kedarnath

An CSR Initiative of JSW Foundation

overview

The Project ‘Swachh Kedaranth’ is a transformative initiative led by the District Administration, Rudraprayag and the JSW Foundation, implemented by Anubhuti Welfare Foundation, with Recykal as the technology partner. The project aims to build a cleaner and more resilient Kedarnath by improving solid waste management during the annual pilgrimage season and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

Each year, this ecologically sensitive zone experiences seasonal waste surges, generating 25–30 metric tons of plastic. The project integrates technology and citizen engagement to enable traceable collection, informed waste disposal, and eco-conscious behaviour among the pilgrims. Shopkeepers and sanitation workers are also sensitised to adopt digital Deposit Refund Systems (dDRS), supported by robust channelisation systems that ensure efficient plastic recovery and seamless integration into formal recycling streams along the yatra route.

Impact in Motion

Look into our tech-driven approach to keeping Kedarnath clean and waste-free.
Below the project title name – JSW Foundation & District Administration Rudraprayag initiative in Uttarakhand

project objectives

Eco- Conscious Waste Behaviour

Comprehensive Awareness Outreach
Conduct tailored awareness campaigns for pilgrims, shopkeepers, and sanitation staff to reinforce anti-littering and encourage responsible waste behaviour

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate active participation of local communities, religious institutions, and vendors in maintaining cleanliness and supporting long-term waste stewardship

Digital Traceability of Waste

Adaptive QR Code Integration
Leverage QR code-based systems for household and commercial waste to enable traceable plastic disposal and ensure accountability throughout the collection process

Real-Time Waste Monitoring
Implement digital dashboards and tracking tools to generate timely insights, optimise routes, and provide visibility into reporting across the waste management cycle

Plastic Circularity Via DRS

Targeted Plastic Channelisation
Deploy structured Reverse Vending Machines (RVMS) to recover high volumes of post-consumer plastic and redirect it into certified recycling streams

Resilient Recovery Infrastructure
Strengthen local recovery and dispatch mechanisms to ensure plastic waste is processed efficiently without harming the fragile Himalayan environment