Akal Takht and PPCB call for plastic-free religious gatherings in Punjab

Patiala: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, and Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) chairperson Reena Gupta on Monday appealed to the people of Punjab to adopt sustainable practices during religious and cultural gatherings.The two met at Shri Kesgarh Sahib and issued a joint statement, urging the sangat to refrain from using single-use plastic and thermocol-based products, particularly while serving langar, parshad and other offerings.The two encouraged a return to reusable steel utensils in line with Sikh traditions of sewa and respect for nature.Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj highlighted that preserving the sanctity of religious places included caring for the environment. He called for increasing Punjab's green cover amid rising urbanisation and said the importance of ‘rukh' (trees) and living in harmony with nature remained integral to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.Reena Gupta expressed concern over microplastics, which she said were increasingly being detected in the environment and the human body, and posed serious health risks. She urged citizens to adopt sustainable practices in daily life, including minimising plastic use and opting for cloth and jute bags.Both sides appreciated the plastic-free Hola Mohalla initiative at Anandpur Sahib, supported by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which combined large-scale awareness with on-ground action to reduce single-use plastic.The duo called for these efforts to continue during the upcoming Baisakhi and other major events so that avoiding single-use plastic becomes second nature. They stated that the initiative aimed to build on Hola Mohalla and foster a sustained, community-led movement towards cleaner and greener celebrations.As part of the effort, the PPCB said it would set up an awareness stall at Talwandi Sabo during the Baisakhi Mela. It said a recent meeting with the management of Takhat Shri Damdama Sahib reaffirmed a shared commitment to organising an eco-friendly fair with a strict prohibition on single-use plastics, to set a positive example for the state.MSID:: 130235533 413 |