Maha Kumbh: How Prayagraj Municipal Corporation is keeping the Triveni Sangam clean

With millions of devotees gathering in Prayagraj for the once-in-12-years Maha Kumbh, large amounts of waste are generated daily. To ensure the river remains clean for devotees taking a dip, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has deployed trash skimmer machines.

According to an official release, these skimmer machines remove 10 to 15 tons of waste daily from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Initially, a single machine removed 50–60 quintals of waste per day. Recognizing its effectiveness, the municipal corporation purchased a second machine two years ago, doubling the cleaning capacity.


The machines, with a capacity of 13 cubic meters, cover a 4 km stretch from the Sangam to the boat club and beyond. They collect floating waste such as flowers, garlands, paper plates, incense wrappers, plastic, coconuts, and discarded clothes.


Municipal Corporation officials state that all collected waste is taken to a designated disposal site near Naini. From there, it is transported daily by trucks to a processing plant in Baswar, where it is segregated. Plastic is sent for recycling, while other materials like coconuts and organic waste are converted into compost.

What Is a Trash Skimmer Machine?

A trash skimmer collects floating waste from water bodies, including rivers, ports, and seas.
It removes plastic, bottles, religious offerings, clothes, metal items, dead animals, and birds.
It also helps in clearing water weeds like water hyacinth.

How Does a Trash Skimmer Work?

The machine has hydraulic gates on both sides with conveyor belts inside. These gates close to trap floating waste.
The waste is then transferred onto a conveyor belt inside the machine.
It moves to an unloading conveyor, where it is finally disposed of.
By employing these advanced cleaning techniques, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation is ensuring the Triveni Sangam remains clean and pure for the millions participating in the Maha Kumbh.