Madhya Pradesh is planning what could become the world’s first carbon-neutral mega religious gathering. The state government aims to make Simhastha Kumbh 2028 in Ujjain environmentally sustainable while earning carbon credits from the event.
Nearly 30 crore pilgrims are expected at the gathering. The administration is now reviewing proposals from national and international companies for carbon accounting, plastic recycling, waste management, and river purification systems.
“Our goal is to meet the CM’s vision of a modern, youth-oriented Simhastha where devotees and saints experience spirituality in an environment that is cleaner, safer and more sustainable,” Asheesh Singh, Simhastha Mela officer told Times of India.
How Carbon Credits Actually Work
Carbon credits are certificates that represent the reduction or removal of one tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Organizations that reduce emissions below certain levels can earn these credits and sell them to others who need to offset their carbon footprint.
The system creates financial incentives for environmental action. When Indore reduced emissions through waste-to-energy projects, it earned credits worth Rs 8.34 crore. These funds can then support further green initiatives.
For a gathering as massive as Simhastha Kumbh, earning carbon credits would mean the event actively contributes to climate goals rather than just minimizing harm.
Building on Indore’s Carbon Success
The initiative follows Indore’s achievement as the first Indian city to sell carbon credits at the municipal level. The city generated these credits through bio-methanisation, bio-CNG, and waste-to-energy projects.
Indore’s first carbon credit report documented savings of about 1.7 lakh tonnes of CO2, generating nearly Rs 50 lakh. Subsequent reports placed the total value at around Rs 8.34 crore.
Singh explained the broader vision. “The govt intends to weave sustainability into the core planning of the 2028 event. We are aiming to demonstrate, possibly for the first time in any Kumbh scale event, how traditional congregations can adopt scientific and sustainable systems,” he said.
Complete Plastic Recycling Planned
Proposals under review include 100 percent plastic recycling solutions. These cover segregation and reuse of bottles, multilayer packaging, and waste from nearby villages. Several companies have pitched decentralized zero-waste models to enhance carbon credit eligibility.
Singh acknowledged the scale of the challenge. With 30 crore people expected, waste management remains the biggest concern for ensuring a clean experience for pilgrims.
What Devotees Will Experience
The changes will directly impact the pilgrim experience. Waste on ghats will be minimal. Plastic bottles and packaging will be recycled completely. The Kshipra river will be cleaner for ritual baths.
Meesha Tandon, an executive at a Delhi-based think tank on sustainable development, outlined specific measures. “We have presented solutions to the MP govt on how to earn carbon credits and make the event water neutral. The most prone sectors to generate carbon are infrastructure, waste, transport and energy. We have drafted measures to reduce carbon emissions from these sectors and how to earn credit on it,” Tandon said.
River Purification Underway
Agencies have presented detailed plans for rejuvenating the Kshipra river. These include geo-tagging, mapping structures that influence water flow, studying underground seepage, and preparing documentation for scientific purification and water management.
Treated water will be reused for agriculture and industry. Every process will align with global environmental benchmarks.
Officials said proposals will now be assessed and suitable components will be implemented in phases before the 2028 event.
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