Kedarnath generates 50 MT waste in 5 months, a record high

Kedarnath produced 50.30 metric tonnes of waste between April and August 2026, surpassing full-season totals of the past three years — 32.58 MT (2023), 26.10 MT (2024), and 21.40 MT (2025). Waste per pilgrim tripled to 33 grams despite fewer visitors. Mixed waste is being landfilled near the glacier, risking Mandakini and Ganga pollution.