Hoshiarpur mela langars to go 100% plastic-free

Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain said that the district administration and the Red Cross Society are organising “Rising Sun” — an initiative aimed at making the langars set up at the Hoshiarpur border during the Mata Chintpurni Mela 100 per cent free from single-use plastic.

She was addressing a special press conference at the District Administrative Complex on Friday. On this occasion, she also appealed for public cooperation and awareness about the “100 per cent No Plastic Mission” through the media.

The Deputy Commissioner clarified that more than 20 NGOs from Hoshiarpur have come forward to implement this initiative. Their 150 volunteers, along with 150 Civil Defense volunteers — totalling more than 300 — have been assigned key responsibilities. These volunteers will work in shifts at the langars from Adamwal to the Hoshiarpur border. During this period, they will monitor the regular cleaning of stalls and langar pandals, ensure 100 percent plastic-free operation, educate devotees about the “No Plastic Mission,” assist in waste management and report daily on the best-performing stalls for 10 consecutive days.

She said the initiative is not only aimed at providing a clean, safe and environment-friendly setting for devotees but also serves as a model for other religious fairs and public events. The best plastic-free langar or stall adhering to cleanliness and environmental norms will receive an award. Similarly, the most dedicated volunteer setting an example through their service will also be honoured.

Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain stated that special preparations have been made to make the fair plastic-free. Cloth bag distribution centres, drinking water facilities, extra dustbins, and cleaning teams have been deployed. She added that the administration, in collaboration with the Municipal Corporation, Pollution Control Department, and Rural Development Department, will provide eco-friendly plates, spoons and related materials worth up to Rs 5 lakh to those langar societies that are unknowingly using single-use plastic. She appealed to all langar societies to avoid single-use plastic completely.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that this is not solely the responsibility of the administration but a collective duty. She urged devotees to bring cloth or jute bags and water bottles, encouraged shopkeepers to adopt eco-friendly packaging and asked volunteers to assist devotees in this effort. She said, “Rising Sun” is not just a campaign but a step towards securing a clean and green future for coming generations. Ashika Jain also informed that a control room has been established in collaboration with Reliance Industries for public convenience. In case of emergency, devotees can contact the control room at 01882-292570.