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“Shame On Us Too,” Netizens React As X User Highlights Garbage At Mata Vaishno Devi Route

The video captures huge piles of trash scattered along the route, which has raised questions about waste management at the shrine.

by Jyotismita Maitra
“Shame On Us Too,” Netizens React As X User Highlights Garbage At Mata Vaishno Devi Route

Mata Vaishno Devi, India’s most sacred pilgrimage destination, has recently been at the center of a heated debate on social media. A video posted by X user @Nikhilsingh21_ has brought to light the deplorable state of cleanliness along the traditional route to the temple. The video captures huge piles of trash scattered along the route, which has raised questions about waste management at the shrine.

Pilgrims Show Disappointment At Littered Trails On Vaishno Devi Route

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) received a significant hike in donations over the past few years. In the financial year 2024-25 till January, donations by pilgrims stood at ₹171.90 crore, which is a high jump from ₹63.85 crore in 2020-21.

Offerings of gold and silver also registered a significant increase over this time. In the financial year 2022, the total expense of the board was around ₹344 crore, of which ₹173 crore went towards establishment expenses.

Despite generating significant revenue, many devotees feel that authorities are not prioritising and maintaining cleanliness at the holy place. The video instigated an internet discussion where a lot of people condemned not only the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) but also devotees who litter the premises. 

The viral video has once again opened the discussion about the cleanliness of Mata Vaishno Devi. Many devotees are urging the Shrines Board to improve waste disposal mechanisms, install additional dustbins, and carry out regular cleaning operations.

Also Read: Indian Railway Employee Fired For Throwing Garbage On Tracks, Public Applauds The Decision

Social Media Responds

Since the video went viral, it has drawn both positive and negative comments from social media users. Although there are users who blame the authorities for poor waste management, others have a different opinion that the devotees ought to be blamed.

One of the users had commented, “If the pilgrims can be so considerate of the sanctity of the temple, they would not litter at all. It is unfair to target the authorities.” Another said, “The temple receives crores in revenue each year. Why is waste disposal still an issue?”

Some users also demanded greater punishments for offenders and said educational campaigns and awareness drives would serve to inspire sensible behaviour from the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, responsible tourism is also being emphasised, and tourists are being encouraged to be respectful of the sanctity of the pilgrimage site by maintaining cleanliness. The incident serves to point out the need for a combined effort to ensure that the sacred site remains spotless for years to come.

Also Read: Talking Trash Truck In Hong Kong Cries & Asks People For Garbage; Netizens, “Better Social Skills Than Me!”

Will there be a lasting solution with increasing awareness and social media pressure? Only time will tell.

Cover Image Courtesy:@Nikhilsingh21_/X & Wikimedia Commons 

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First Published: April 01, 2025 12:51 PM