NEW DELHI: The 45-day Maha Kumbh that ended on Wednesday saw a first-of-its-kind declaration by the Uttar Pradesh govt, in which it resolved to support all religious centres, including temples, mosques and faith-based organisations, in the state to turn green by adopting multiple environment friendly measures.
The govt’s commitments under the ‘Mahakumbh Declaration on Climate Change’ include supporting these religious centres/institutions in adopting renewable energy such as installing solar panels, waste management, energy and water conservation, afforestation and other eco-friendly technologies.
Implementing rainwater harvesting systems, banning single-use plastic within the premises of the religious institutions, and creating green zones around sacred spaces are the other measures which will be taken up to reduce the carbon footprint of temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches and other faith-based organisations.
The govt through the declaration, released by UP chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh during the country’s first ever conference on faith and climate change on the sidelines of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Feb 16, also resolved to assist in setting up environment and climate education programmes for religious centres, faith-based and spiritual organisations in the state. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had also attended the conference.
“The UP govt also plans to release a guideline on eco-friendly religious events. The declaration and the commitment made by the state is a great beginning to involve faith leaders and organisations in climate and environment protection,” said Chandra Bhushan, climate change expert and CEO of iFOREST, a New Delhi-based think tank, which was the knowledge partner for the conference.
He said, “The declaration marks India’s first effort to harness the moral authority and vast reach of religious leaders for environmental protection. Faith moves billions. Imagine if every sermon and every religious festival urged believers to protect the environment and lead a sustainable lifestyle, it could spark a grassroots revolution.”