Janki Devi Educational Welfare Society (JDEWS), in coordination with Nagar Nigam Haridwar, has introduced an innovative solar-powered smart sensor compact dustbin on the Kanwar Pati Marg as a pilot initiative for the Kanwar Yatra 2026. The dustbin has an automatic sensor-based opening and closing system, which opens when a person approaches to dispose of waste and closes automatically afterwards. Its integrated waste-compaction mechanism enables more waste to be collected in limited space, reducing the need for frequent emptying and making waste management more efficient. The dustbin operates entirely on solar energy, eliminating the need for external electricity, and its enclosed design also helps prevent animals from scattering the collected waste. The pilot installation received encouraging response during the Kanwar Yatra, with thousands of devotees using the facility. Based on the positive results, JDEWS has proposed expanding the initiative by installing more solar sensor compact dustbins at major markets, ghats, parks, public places and other important locations in Haridwar. JDEWS has also proposed to Nagar Nigam Haridwar a larger plan for installation of these smart dustbins during Ardh Kumbh 2027, with the objective of strengthening scientific waste management and creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Haridwar during major religious gatherings.
