World Environment Day: Plastic-Mukt Chandigarh drive kicks off

Reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and greener future, the Municipal Corporation today launched a special campaign ‘Plastic-Mukt Chandigarh’ to mark World Environment Day.

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla launched the drive in the presence of MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, area Councillor Dalip Sharma, Joint Commissioner Himanshu Gupta, SBM Brand Ambassador Parveen Duggal and other prominent persons of the area at the Sector 26 mandi, one of the city’s major hotspots for plastic usage and distribution.

The highlight of the campaign was the introduction of an innovative initiative – the ‘cloth bag ATM’. Installed by NGO ‘I Hate Polythene’, the machine dispenses eco-friendly cloth bags at a nominal cost of Rs 10, which is fully refundable after the bag is returned.

Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor said the initiative aimed to offer a practical alternative to single-use plastic bags and promote sustainable consumption practices.

She further said to support the return mechanism, Vikalp Stores will be established across local markets, serving as designated return points for the used cloth bags. The system encourages a circular model of use, return and reuse – reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility among citizens.

MC Commissioner Amit Kumar applauded the efforts of the NGO and directed them to include QR code payment options to make the process more convenient for users.

Emphasising the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives, he said the campaign would go a long way in changing public attitude towards plastic.

Councillor Dalip Sharma said the eradication of plastic from daily life was only possible with the active cooperation and participation of the public.

The Mayor and Commissioner urged all citizens to come forward and support the ‘Plastic Mukt Chandigarh’ initiative, making a collective effort toward building a sustainable and plastic-free city.

MC chief unveils plastic-free city awareness poster

Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, today unveiled an awareness poster on making Chandigarh a plastic-free city, on the occasion of World Environment Day.

The poster was prepared by Chandigarh Traders Association, Sector 17. Association president Kamaljit Singh Panchhi and senior vice-president Mandeep Singh met the Commissioner for the release of the poster.