Thiruvannamalai: 300 Tons of Waste—2,105 Sanitation Workers Conduct Clean-up Drive
Tamil Nadu: A massive accumulation of waste was observed at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, following the Chithirai Pournami Girivalam (circumambulation) event. With approximately 2 million devotees participating, nearly 300 tons of waste were scattered across the entire Girivalam route and the city; this waste was subsequently cleared on a large scale by the municipal corporation’s cleanup teams.
This religious event was held on April 30 and May 1, drawing a vast number of devotees from various parts of the state, other districts, and neighboring states. Devotees performed the circumambulation along the 14-kilometer-long Girivalam route, bringing along a significant quantity of supplies—including water bottles, food packets, plastic bags, and other items—during their journey.
During and after the Girivalam, items used by devotees—such as plastic bottles, tea cups, food packets, and paper—were discarded directly onto the route, resulting in massive piles of waste accumulating along the entire stretch. Furthermore, a large quantity of used leaf plates and other materials remained after food distribution at the Annadanam (free food donation) centers.
To manage the situation, the Tiruvannamalai Municipal Corporation deployed 2,105 sanitation workers drawn from various municipalities. These workers carried out a cleanup drive on a war footing, successfully removing waste from the entire area. The cleanup operation was supported by 126 vehicles, which were utilized to collect the waste and transport it to designated disposal sites.
The sanitation workers cleaned not only the Girivalam route but also the temple complex, surrounding streets, and various worship sites. Residues from lamps lit by devotees and other worship materials were also cleared away to ensure the area remained clean and hygienic.
According to municipal officials, the entire operation was executed with great speed and in a highly organized manner. The sanitation workers labored continuously for many hours to restore the entire area to its normal state.
This incident has once again highlighted the persistent challenge of waste management following large-scale religious gatherings. The administration has appealed to devotees to cooperate in maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of religious sites and to dispose of waste only at designated locations.
Currently, the city of Tiruvannamalai and the Girivalam route have been thoroughly cleaned, and the situation has returned to normal.
