Avoid Plastic, Use Cloth Bags, Protect the Environment – Pankaja Tai Munde

Solapur – Maharashtra’s Environment Minister Pankaja Tai Munde visited the Shri Vatavruksha Swami Maharaj Devasthan in Akkalkot and made a heartfelt appeal to all devotees to support the plastic ban. On this occasion, she emphasized the importance of avoiding plastic and encouraged the use of cloth bags.

As part of the Plastic-Free Maharashtra Campaign, and in accordance with the state government’s plan to make all pilgrimage centers plastic-free, Minister Munde visited the Akkalkot shrine. She interacted with devotees and raised awareness about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. She explained the importance of the plastic ban and noted that the ban was now being strictly enforced. She also pointed out that diseases such as cancer can result from plastic use.

Munde urged everyone, especially within the temple area, to stop using plastic carry bags and instead switch to cloth bags. She appealed to shopkeepers to stitch and provide cloth bags at affordable rates to encourage their use.

Minister Munde expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness and administration of the temple premises. On behalf of the temple committee, Chairman Mahesh Ingle welcomed her by presenting an image and garments of the Swami.

Following her appeal, strict enforcement of the plastic ban will be carried out throughout Akkalkot city, announced Ramakant Dake, the Chief Officer of Akkalkot Municipal Council. He urged both citizens and traders to avoid plastic and actively adopt cloth bags.

The event was attended by MLA Sachin Kalyanshetti, Nikhil More from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Chief Officer Ramakant Dake, Temple Committee Chairman Mahesh Ingle, Mahesh Hindoale, Prathamesh Ingle, the Taluka Agriculture Officer, office-bearers from various organizations, and a large number of devotees.