Godavari to Glory: Circular Resource Management and Environmental Stewardship in Religious Mega-Events - Nashik Kumbh 2027

Prajakta B. Deshmukh () and Sujata M. Kate
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Prajakta B. Deshmukh: Savitribai Phule Pune University, Sub Centre, Department of Management Sciences
Sujata M. Kate: Dr. Moonje Institute of Management and Computer Studies

A chapter in Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations & Supply Chain Management 2025 (ICOSCM 2025), 2025, pp 180-200 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract The Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik for 2027 presents a profound opportunity to transition from traditional resource management to a circular economy model in a mega-event setting. This quantitative, cross-sectional study, conducted among 318 adult pilgrims, sought to understand their perceptions of and engagement with circular resource practices, such as waste segregation and reusable systems. The research was anchored by two key objectives: measuring pilgrim awareness and assessing how the quality of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities influences environmentally responsible behaviour. The findings establish that the pilgrim community is highly engaged and willing; over two-thirds of respondents reported a clear understanding and comfort with core circular practices like deposit-return systems and using reusables. This high awareness level proved to be a statistically significant predictor of actual compliant behaviour on site. However, the data revealed a critical operational gap: while Stewardship Intentions were exceptionally high, actual Behaviour was lower, pointing to operational friction as the primary barrier. This friction is exacerbated by the lowest-rated composite score in the study, WASH Quality. The study confirms that better-perceived cleanliness and reliability of services directly foster a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among pilgrims. The overall conclusion dictates an immediate strategy for the Nashik Mela Authority: the focus should shift from education to execution. By aggressively scaling deposit-return systems and prioritizing operational excellence—especially in rapidly responding to spillage and improving the proximity and cleanliness of WASH facilities during peak crowds—organizers can convert the pilgrims’ strong moral commitment into reliable, real-world circular outcomes. Failure to address this operational fragility risks ecological setback and missed legacy.

Keywords: Circular Resource Management; Kumbh Mela; Pilgrim Behaviour; WASH Quality; Environmental Stewardship; Mega-Events; Operational Friction; Nashik 2027 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-914-8_13

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