Aastha Negi
June 05, 2024The sacred Mount Kailash is one of the revered spots for numerous religions. An extremely sacred place of four major religions: Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Bon, the Kailash Mountain is the symbol of everlasting devotion and spiritual sanctuary. Found amongst the remote peaks of the Trans-Himalayas in Tibet, this mountain is hailed for its gigantic size and unbeatable opulence. It is the most adventurous place that will enthral you with its beautiful scenic splendour as well as thrilling trekking experience.
However, with the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the country, it has become a threat to the environmental biodiversity of Kailash Mountain. This increasing problem has raised concerns amongst local bodies who are keen to preserve the original condition of the Original Mountain. Our 'Clean Kailash Campaign' aims to preserve the heritage of the magnanimous Kailash with the help of travellers.
In this blog, we will walk you through how you can contribute to preserving this holy sanctuary. Let's have a look.
The Sacredness of Mountain Kailash
The Great Kailash Mountain has dynamic significance in our lives. Be it a Religious beliefs or maintaining the Ecological Balance, this gigantic mountain has a major role to play. Let's understand them in detail.
Religious significance
According to the ancient scriptures, Kailash is not just a mountain but an apex centre of divinity and harmony. Revered as the centre of the universe, the Kailash Mountain is one of the most sacred places for Hindus, Jain, Buddhists, and Bon. Considered an abode of the divine power of different religions, this place holds the power to ease your melancholic mind. With Mansarovar Lake in the foothills, Kailash attracts more than thousands of pilgrims each year.
Ecological Significance
A home of a diverse range of flora and fauna, the Kailash Mountain has a unique ecosystem that plays a huge role in balancing climate change. However, the increasing number of tourists has made preserving the Kailash ecosystem a challenge. Also, the high altitude can lead to drastic destruction if we don't preserve Kailash's ecosystem today.
The Emergence of the Clean Kailash Campaign
The Clean Kailash Campaign has emerged in recent years for preserving Kailash Mountain as both religious and ecological heritage. Since instances of pollution and habitat deterioration have become prevalent issues, the preservation campaign has become important to maintain the sanctity and ecological diversity of the Kailash Mountain.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The boom in religious and mountaineering excursions has resulted in more garbage, contamination, and other environmental problems. The Clean Kailash Campaign aims to address these challenges by promoting sanitation and appreciation for nature. The ad emphasises the need of each visitor taking their own accountability for their conduct and to make sure their arrival does not detract from the area's scenic appeal and holiness.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is the key element of this Clean Kailash campaign. The campaign aims to reduce the carbon footprint and other pollutants residue from the valleys of Kailash. Also, it aims to use the proper water disposal options as well as other eco-friendly packaging options that can help reduce the waste. As a traveller, if you adopt these practices, then you will be able to contribute a lot towards preserving the natural paradise of earth.
Essential Travel Ethics for Kailash Yatra
Not just as a traveller or pilgrim, but think as nature's preserver and contemplate how important it is to save Kailash. Since Kailash serves as both a religious and geographical sanctum, it is important that we do understand our responsibility to preserve it.
Respect for Nature
It is crucial to respect and preserve the home we dwell in. The earth is our home, and so is Kailash Mountain if you are visiting it. The trait of a responsible traveller is that he/she will take care of the surroundings in which they are indulging. Hence, something similar is expected from you. Show some love to nature while travelling and exploring Kailash and restrain from spilling waste.
Minimising Waste
Waste management is the key element that can reduce the degradation of the Kailash Mountain. Since many visitors carry single-use plastic bottles or disposable food containers, it becomes a challenge to keep Kailash Valley clean. You are suggested to carry a reusable water bottle and food container so that you don't have to throw them. Also, even if you have a disposable item, then make sure to bring them back and throw them in the recycle bin..
Don't wander on wrong pathway
Since the mountain terrain is not smooth, it becomes quite challenging to walk on the trail. In such a scenario, it becomes important that you follow your guide and don't take the wrong path during trekking. Also, stepping on the flora and fauna can damage them a great deal. So make sure you don't do such things.
Be understanding towards the local sentiment
Since the area also has the tribal community dwelling, they are very dedicated towards preserving the natural habitat. It is important for you to share similar sentiments towards preserving nature. It will help you maintain the ecological balance as well.
Enjoy the Regional Activities
The Valleys of Mount Kailash are a great place of culture and tradition. Just like their cuisine, their traditions are also amazing. We would like to suggest you engage in local festivities and learn the local language. It will help you understand the local traditions and causes in a better manner.
Keep a check in your medical condition
Trekking doesn't always suit everyone. So it's important to remain cautious about your medical conditions. If you are suffering from diabetes, a cardiac problem, or hypertension, then you are advised to avoid such trips. But if you insist upon taking the pilgrimage, then keep your medication and medical assistant with you.
Acclimatization
Proper acclimatisation is required to avoid sickness at high altitude Travellers should arrange their trip to enable for progressive acclimatisation, remain well-hydrated, and stay away from fatigue in the early days.
Preparedness
Before planning your trip, it is important to pick your gear mindfully. Collect the right cloth appropriate for high-altitude trekking. Keep enough food and water so that you can remain hydrated and full throughout the journey. Also keep a stash of emergency medicine for medical conditions.
Supporting the Clean Kailash Campaign
If you are wondering how you can contribute towards preserving the ethereal beauty of Mount Kailash, then we have a few ideas for you. Adopting them can also help in preserving the natural condition of the Kailash and boost the well-being of the flora and fauna dwelling in the Kailash Valley.
Participating in Clean-up Drives
Participating in organised cleanup activities is one of the most effective methods to assist the Clean Kailash Campaign. These programs frequently involve removing rubbish from trails and camping areas, promoting consciousness among fellow travellers, and presenting an ideal instance of ethical behaviour.
Spreading Awareness
A word of awareness might cause a profound effect that you might not have anticipated. Words are the most effective weapon for awakening people's consciousness and helping them grasp their obligations as well as the necessities of the circumstance. Please spread the information about protecting Kailash on social media and with your friends. It will help to preserve nature in its true form.
Supporting local Efforts
Many local NGOs and communities are working towards cleaning up the Kailash Valley. They have been running campaigns and taking initiative towards reducing the waste in the valley area. You can participate in Aich drives and encourage others to do the same. You can even donate to these NGOs so that they can keep on working by employing the necessary tools.
The Long term Vision of the Clean Kailash Campaign
Preserving Kailash is an ambitious project because it is not going to be a short term one. We have to envision a plan that can encourage our future generations to look after the heritage and blessings that they will receive from nature.
Preserving Natural heritage
The Community has Envisioned a Kailash that is clean and fresh from clutter. The core aim is to foster the responsibility amongst the visitors to preserve the sanctity of the place. It is important for us to leave the place as it is for our forthcoming generation.
Enhancing Pilgrimage Experience
By bringing sustainability into frame, we are focusing on enhancing the pilgrim experience. A clean and pristine environment holds the enigma to improve your experience manifolds. So if the pilgrims will act responsibly towards preserving Kailash, then the result will be astonishing.
Conclusion
Mount Kailash is the evidence of pristine beauty and highly revered sanctuary. Preserving it is important not just for religious reasons but also to maintain the natural balance and provide a sanctuary to the local habitats. It is important to be mindful of the cleanliness of Kailash and preserve it for your future generations.
