Voice of Environment Launches Clean and Eco-Friendly Ambubachi Mahayog 2026 Initiative at Kamakhya Temple

Guwahati, June 21: Voice of Environment (VoE), a scientific and environmental research organization, has launched its annual clean and eco-friendly Ambubachi Mahayog awareness campaign at the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, marking the 10th year of its environmental sustainability initiative.

The campaign is being carried out under VoE’s flagship programmes, Mission Clean Green and the Eco-Friendly Heritage Iconic Sites Initiative, with the objective of promoting a clean, single-use plastic-free, and environmentally sustainable temple premises and Nilachal Hill ecosystem.

VoE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kamakhya Devalaya Authority on December 22, 2016, and has since been working continuously to raise awareness among devotees, temple authorities, shopkeepers, vendors, priests, sadhus, and visitors about sanitation, hygiene, responsible waste management, and the reduction of single-use plastics.

The organization aims to transform the Kamakhya Temple premises into a model eco-friendly heritage destination by encouraging sustainable practices, recycling, and circular economy concepts that can also generate livelihood opportunities in the local community.

The initiative has received continued support from the Kamakhya Devalaya Authority, particularly from Bor Doloi Kabindra Prasad Sarma, who has encouraged the programme since its inception. This year’s campaign is also supported by Supreme Petrochem Ltd as part of its environmental sustainability mission.

Kamakhya Temple, situated atop the biodiversity-rich Nilachal Hill, is one of the country’s most revered Shakti Peethas. The annual Ambubachi Mahayog attracts millions of pilgrims, devotees, saints, and visitors from across India and abroad and is often referred to as the “Mega Kumbh Mela of Northeast India.”

The campaign commenced with an awareness session led by noted environmentalist Moharana Choudhury, who briefed the VoE team on the activities planned during the festival. Volunteers conducted awareness drives highlighting the ecological significance of Nilachal Hill and the need for environmental conservation.

A signature campaign involving local shopkeepers and vendors was led by Sashi Prabha Roy and Marine Basumatary. Team members Bhaskar Hazarika and Dr. Hari Prasad Agarwal interacted with devotees travelling on foot to the temple, sensitizing them about cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

The team also engaged with officials from various departments, including the district administration, Assam Police, and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation. At the temple premises, VoE members met with Bor Doloi Kabindra Prasad Sarma and members of the Kamakhya Temple Administration. The environmental organization was felicitated with traditional gamochas and mementoes in recognition of its decade-long contribution to promoting environmental awareness at the temple.

A cleanliness drive was subsequently conducted across the temple premises under the leadership of Monalisha Sarkar, Archana Dahal, Partha Sarathi Dhar, and other volunteers. The team collected discarded plastic bottles, packets, and other waste materials, which were disposed of in designated bins in coordination with the temple authority’s sanitation department.

Another team, led by Sabita Dutta and Moharana Choudhury, interacted with devotees, visitors, and sadhus, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, public health, biodiversity conservation, and reducing the use of single-use plastics. Through awareness campaigns, interviews, and public interactions, the volunteers promoted sustainable and environmentally responsible practices among the large gathering of pilgrims.

In the second phase of the campaign, volunteers conducted one-to-one interactions with devotees waiting near security checkpoints and entry queues. Awareness was created regarding the proper disposal of plastic bottles, thermocol products, and other waste materials in designated dustbins.

The team also interacted with Assam Police personnel deployed for Ambubachi Mahayog 2026, discussing cleanliness, sanitation, crowd management, and sustainable practices that can help preserve Kamakhya Temple as a heritage tourism destination and biodiversity hotspot.

Despite the challenges associated with managing millions of visitors during the festival, VoE continues to work towards creating mass public awareness and encouraging behavioural change regarding waste management and plastic use. The organization believes that collective participation can significantly contribute to making Ambubachi Mahayog cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

VoE has appealed to all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, youth clubs, and media institutions, to actively support the initiative and contribute towards building a cleaner and environmentally responsible future.

“Together we can make a difference,” the organization stated.