Call for a Plastic-Free Shri Renuka Ji Fair 2026 and Joint Environmental Inspection of Renuka Wetland

Ahead of the Shri Renuka Ji Fair, scheduled from 19 to 24 November 2026, we have urged the Sirmaur district administration to introduce preventive environmental safeguards, strengthen waste management and establish a joint inspection mechanism to protect Renuka Lake, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

On 22 October 2026, we addressed a formal communication to the Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nahan, highlighting concerns about plastic pollution, improper disposal of religious offerings and the need for environmental monitoring before, during and after the fair.

Protecting the Ecological and Religious Significance of Renuka Lake

Renuka Lake is a freshwater ecosystem in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on 8 November 2005.

The lake holds both ecological and religious significance. As a sacred destination associated with Shri Renuka Ji, it attracts devotees and visitors, particularly during the annual international fair.

Protecting this natural environment requires careful management of activities associated with religious gatherings, commercial establishments and public movement around the lake.

In our communication, we highlighted concerns about disposable plastics, discarded clothing, religious offerings and other waste along the lakefront. Such materials require particular attention because accumulated waste can enter the lake directly or be carried into the water through surface runoff and drainage channels.

We identified several areas requiring preventive action:

• Disposal of clothes, plastic packaging and religious offerings along the lake banks or into the water.
• Accumulation of oil residues, used lamps, burnt wicks and other ritual materials.
• Littering by visitors, temporary vendors and commercial establishments.
• Movement of accumulated solid waste into the lake through drainage channels and surface runoff.

Our request emphasises that religious traditions must be respected while ensuring that activities associated with the fair do not damage the ecological integrity of Renuka Lake.