Motherchak Naboday Kishalay Sangha (MNKS), established in 1985, is a dedicated NGO with over 35 years of grassroots experience in community health, child protection, disability inclusion, and humanitarian response. Building on a strong foundation of community trust and transparent CSR program implementations, MNKS is proposing a massive humanitarian and environmental project for the Kedarnath Yatra 2026.
Driven by the philosophy that "Serving pilgrims is serving humanity," this initiative aims to ensure a safe, clean, and dignified journey for devotees while actively contributing to the environmental sustainability of the sacred Ganga River.
The Initiative: Vision and Objectives
Set to begin on April 14, 2026, and spanning a duration of 4 to 5 months, the project will be primarily implemented in Haridwar and en-route pilgrimage zones. The core objective is to provide a holistic support system that benefits over 50,000 direct pilgrims, alongside local residents, vendors, and service providers.
The project focuses on five main pillars:
- Improving sanitation at ghats and along pilgrimage routes.
- Providing reliable access to safe drinking water.
- Supporting pilgrims with basic nutritional food assistance.
- Promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices.
- Enhancing the overall safety, dignity, and comfort of the devotees.
Core Activities & Implementation Strategy
To achieve these goals, MNKS will deploy volunteers and resources to conduct daily river and ghat cleaning, maintain clean pathways, operate drinking water distribution points, and run snack distribution camps.
The initiative is meticulously planned across three distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Pre-Implementation (March–April 2026): Focuses on site assessments in Haridwar and key locations, coordination with local authorities, volunteer recruitment, and material procurement.
- Phase 2: Implementation (April–August 2026): The active phase involving daily cleaning operations, continuous water and snack distribution, and dedicated awareness drives at the ghats.
- Phase 3: Closure & Reporting (August–September 2026): Dedicated to impact assessment, financial reporting, and the submission of CSR utilisation certificates.
Financials and CSR Alignment
The project requires a total budget of ₹70,00,000, which will be allocated efficiently across various components to maximise impact. The budget breakdown includes:
- Sanitation & Environment: River/Ghat cleaning (₹12,00,000) and Road/Path cleaning (₹10,00,000).
- Pilgrim Support: Drinking water facilities (₹15,00,000) and Snack distribution (₹12,00,000).
- Operations: Manpower & volunteers (₹8,00,000) and Logistics & transport (₹5,00,000).
- Outreach & Admin: Awareness activities (₹3,00,000), Admin & monitoring (₹3,00,000), and a Contingency fund (₹2,00,000).
This budget is perfectly aligned with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, specifically targeting health and sanitation, safe drinking water, environmental sustainability, and overall community welfare.
Accountability, Safety, and Sustainability
Monitoring & Evaluation
MNKS prioritises transparency and measurable impact. The project will be tracked using daily activity logs, beneficiary tracking, and photographic documentation. Weekly progress reports will be generated, and success will be measured by key indicators: the number of pilgrims served, quantity of waste removed, liters of water distributed, and snack packets handed out.
Safeguarding & Risk Mitigation
To protect all stakeholders, MNKS enforces a strict safeguarding policy that includes zero tolerance for harassment, specialised protection for vulnerable groups (elderly, women, children), and a dedicated grievance redressal system. All staff and volunteers will undergo orientation before deployment. Furthermore, comprehensive risk mitigation strategies are in place:
- Overcrowding: Managed by trained crowd control volunteers.
- Health Risks: Addressed through first-aid kits and emergency response protocols.
- Water Contamination: Prevented by using only certified water sources.
- Weather Challenges: Mitigated using temporary shelters and flexible planning.
- Waste Mismanagement: Handled via daily disposal coordination with local authorities.
Long-Term Sustainability
The project is designed to leave a lasting positive footprint. By running awareness campaigns, collaborating with local municipal bodies, engaging volunteers, and promoting eco-friendly practices, MNKS ensures that the benefits of this initiative resonate long after the 2026 Yatra concludes.
MNKS is reaching out to corporate entities looking for high-impact CSR investments—specifically in areas of health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability—as well as compassionate individuals. Any support and help will be duly accepted, meticulously utilised, and transparently tracked.
Creating a cleaner, safer pilgrimage environment requires a shared effort. We invite you to be a part of this journey. Click here to learn more about the program details page, the initiative, and how you can contribute towards this noble mission.
About the Bengal Chamber Foundation (BCF) - Bridging Purpose with Action
MNKS is a proud registered NGO partner of the Bengal Chamber Foundation. The Bengal Chamber Foundation serves as a vital bridge between impactful, grassroots NGOs and corporate entities seeking to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandates. By aligning grassroots community needs with corporate philanthropic goals, BCF is the best donation site that facilitates transparent, high-impact crowd funding and CSR activities. Together, we are building a legacy of corporate gratitude and social empowerment.