A large-scale cleanliness operation was carried out at the Sangam ghats during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, with more than a hundred sanitation workers actively participating in the initiative. Reports indicate that as many as 300 workers were involved in the operation, leading to the creation of a Guinness World Record for the largest river-cleaning effort of its kind.
Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for the Kumbh, Akansha Rana, spoke to ANI about the remarkable feat, stating, “A Guinness World Record is being created here, where 300 sanitation workers are engaged in river cleaning at various locations along the Sangam.” The initiative underscores the significance of maintaining hygiene and ensuring a pollution-free environment at one of the holiest sites for Hindu devotees.
Emphasizing the broader objective of promoting cleanliness, Rana further announced that another world record would be attempted the following day. “We want to send a message about the importance of keeping our rivers and water bodies clean. Tomorrow, we will attempt to create a new world record in street sweeping, with 15,000 sanitation workers coming together to sweep the streets simultaneously,” she added.
It is worth noting that, according to data released by the Uttar Pradesh government, the ongoing 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela has witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees. Since the beginning of the grand event, more than 491.4 million devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. This massive influx of pilgrims highlights the spiritual and cultural significance of the festival.
Providing further insights into the participation figures, the information department of the UP government reported that as of 8:00 PM on the most recent day, nearly 8.54 million individuals had performed the ritual bath in the holy waters. Among them, over 500,000 were Kalpavasis, while an estimated 6.42 million were other pilgrims who traveled from various regions to partake in the sacred event.
Given the enormity of the gathering, ensuring cleanliness across the festival grounds has become a top priority for the authorities. The efforts undertaken by sanitation workers play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene at the site, preventing pollution, and preserving the sanctity of the Maha Kumbh. With such dedicated initiatives in place, officials aim to set a global example for environmental consciousness and sustainable event management during religious congregations of this magnitude.