The Menace of Single-Use Plastic Must Be Stopped or Consequences Will Be Severe: Environment Minister Pankaja Munde

Inauguration of Cloth Bag Vending Machine at Vaijnath Temple; Tree Plantation Drive at Ananddham and Cleanliness Campaign in Temple Premises

Minister Urges Citizens to Use Cloth Bags and Contribute to Environmental Protection

Parli Vaijnath – “Environmental protection is the responsibility of every citizen. We must urgently stop the growing menace of single-use plastic, which poses a serious threat to our environment. Increasing the use of cloth bags is essential, along with ensuring our surroundings remain clean and garbage-free. Tree plantation is equally crucial for a sustainable future,” said Pankaja Munde, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, during a series of environmental awareness events held today.

The minister inaugurated a cloth bag vending machine at the Vaijnath Temple as part of a ‘No Plastic’ initiative launched by the Department of Environment and the Gopinath Munde Foundation. Additionally, a tree plantation drive was conducted at Ananddham in Parli, organized by the Social Forestry Department. The event was attended by Vaijnath Temple Committee’s Rajesh Deshmukh, senior leader Dattapa Itke, Municipal President Umatayi Samshette, Sub-Divisional Officer Arvind Lathkar, Tehsildar Venkatesh Munde, Municipal Chief Officer Kamble, and Pollution Control Board representative Mr. Kurmude.

Minister Munde also launched a cleanliness campaign in the temple premises with support from the local municipal council.

She referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign, “One Tree in Mother’s Name,” emphasizing that one tree should be planted for one’s biological mother and another for Mother Earth. “This should not remain a mere political ritual or photo-op. We must make genuine efforts to ensure the trees survive and thrive,” the minister stressed.

Pledge to Go Plastic-Free and Work Towards Clean, Waste-Free Communities

Highlighting the Environment Department’s push for plastic-free initiatives, Munde emphasized that everyone must participate in this mission. She stressed the need to limit the use of single-use plastic and promote cloth bags. “We are working to spread awareness in temples across Maharashtra. We will coordinate with temple trusts to adopt and encourage cloth bag use,” she said, adding that machines dispensing cloth bags will be installed at various locations to ensure availability.

People’s Participation is Crucial

Munde pointed out that while several environmental initiatives are ongoing, they must not remain limited to the government alone. The success of these efforts depends on active public participation. She announced that moving forward, no visitors to her government residences in Parli or Ramtek in Mumbai would be allowed to bring plastic bags, flower bouquets, or garlands in plastic. “Those arriving with plastic items will be denied entry. This is a firm step towards a plastic-free Maharashtra,” she asserted.

Let’s Make Maharashtra As Clean As Madhya Pradesh

“Madhya Pradesh has set an admirable example in cleanliness, and it deserves praise,” Munde said, adding that Maharashtra must rise to that level. “It’s concerning that we haven’t yet achieved similar standards here. This needs to change. Local bodies must take their responsibilities seriously, and citizens must join in efforts toward cleanliness and sustainability. A plastic-free and garbage-free Maharashtra is possible if we work together,” she said.

Statewide Dialogue with Temples on Reducing Plastic Use

Minister Munde also shared that discussions will be held with temples across the state to encourage them to switch from single-use plastic to cloth bags. “There are thousands of temples in Maharashtra, and we’re reaching out to them via letters and direct communication. Our goal is to eliminate single-use plastics from religious sites and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives,” she said.