Local vendors participate and new bins get installed at Hulor Ghat, one of the adopted spots.

Mayapur Clean and Green, led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, has recently introduced a new strategy for protecting Mayapur from environmental challenges. This strategy encourages individuals and organizations to adopt specific areas of the Dham. This initiative seeks to generate funds for cleaning activities and secure regular sponsorships for essential equipment, ensuring the sustained upkeep of Mayapur.

With the town’s rapid growth—new guesthouses, eateries, vendors, and an influx of visitors—the waste management infrastructure is unable to cope. This neglect leaves devotees and volunteers with the overwhelming task of addressing the crisis. “The idea behind the adoption of specific areas is to ensure that anyone arriving at the Holy Dham would immediately feel its sanctity and experience the uplifting spiritual atmosphere,” said Murari Mohini Devi Dasi.

Giving an account of the total contributions made till now, Murari Mohini Devi Dasi explained, “Devotees such as Vraj Kumara Govinda Das and Ramesta Prabhu have contributed towards the purchase of 12 dry waste bins for the Hular Ghat area. Rajib Prasad Prabhu and his friends have taken responsibility for the area around the main entrance of ISKCON and the Police Camp area. Vraj Kumara Govinda Das Prabhu is contributing to the maintenance of the bins at Hular Ghat, and Rajib Prabhu is sponsoring a local Bengali devotee who keeps the Saraswati River Ghat (Jalangi) clean in the Hular Ghat Colony.”

Dedicated bins have been strategically installed in key areas of Mayapur to address the growing waste management challenges. Volunteers are actively engaging with local vendors and residents, conducting awareness drives and educational sessions to emphasize the significance of proper waste disposal and its impact on the sanctity and beauty of the Dham. These efforts aim to foster a sense of responsibility and collective action within the community, ensuring that Mayapur remains clean and inspiring for all who visit.

However, there are multifaceted and monumental challenges. The amount of garbage increases daily, exacerbated by the growing population of vendors and visitors. The initiative struggles with a limited workforce, vehicles, and funds. Many people are unaware of proper waste disposal practices, leading to garbage littering and areas being used as open toilets. Despite repeated petitions, there has been little support from local authorities to provide basic cleaning services.

Murari said, “Many small street vendors and shop owners have agreed to contribute towards the cleaning efforts, but their contributions are often minimal, ranging from as little as 10 – 50 – 100 rupees. These amounts are insignificant compared to the extensive work involved in cleaning, sorting, and transporting the waste for recycling or disposal.”

To further enhance efficiency, Mayapur Clean and Green plans to acquire a larger motor vehicle with an engine capable of improving cleaning operations, facilitating better waste transport, and streamlining the entire process.  Renewed efforts are being made to encourage local government bodies to take responsibility for daily cleaning and waste management.

The team also reiterates its petition to local government bodies, including the district magistrate of Nadia and the local Panchayats, to recognize Mayapur’s global significance and provide the necessary services to maintain its sanctity.

How You Can Help

Murari Mohini Devi Dasi and her team humbly request the assistance of the broader community—devotees, visitors, and well-wishers—to contribute to this noble cause. Those willing can sponsor the cleaning of specific areas, ensuring their upkeep. Volunteers are welcome to join the team in their weekly cleaning drives. Financial support can help fund essential resources such as bins, cleaning equipment, and vehicles.

The future vision for the Mayapur Clean and Green initiative is to broaden its efforts along the entire stretch of Bhaktivedanta Road. This includes strategically placing waste bins at key locations to encourage proper waste disposal while actively raising awareness about their usage. There are plans also to introduce portable or temporary toilet facilities at designated spots, ensuring visitors have access to appropriate amenities. This will not only improve the overall cleanliness of the area but also simplify waste management efforts.

The initiative also seeks to inspire and engage more devotees to adopt and maintain additional areas within Mayapur, fostering a collective sense of responsibility and commitment toward sustaining a clean and green environment for everyone. Those who wish to support this initiative should get in touch with the Mayapur Clean and Green team. 

Follow and Donate

You can follow their service on social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. If you have questions, please email them.

To contribute, visit their new donation page and follow the instructions there. Most importantly, is to select “Mayapur Clean and Green” from the dropdown menu (see screenshot below).