MLA lauds Jalandhar civic body's efforts to make Sodal mela plastic-free

Lakhs of devotees from across the region arrived at Sri Sidh Baba Sodal Temple to attend the Sodal mela on Tuesday.

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Politicians from all parties also visited the mela. Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh also paid obeisance, acknowledging the deep devotion of millions of devotees who visit the temple every year during the mela. He said it is believed that Baba Sodal fulfils wishes of thousands by showering his blessings upon them.

Balkar Singh said devotees from across the world visit the temple annually to seek Baba Sodal’s blessings. He highlighted that the state government has made elaborate arrangements at the temple to ensure a smooth experience for devotees. These arrangements include enhanced security, health team deployments, drinking water facilities, and mobile toilets.

MLA Jalandhar West Mohinder Bhagat launched a state-level inaugural ceremony of ‘Swachhta hi sewa’ in front of the temple, which will continue till October 2. At the venue, an exhibition was organised to show the items of waste to wealth. The MC’s shop, Bibian Di Hatti, was also set up where substitutes of single-use plastic utensils made from biodegradable materials were available. More than five lakh plates, bowls and spoons of wood or other biodegradable material were sold at the shop. To make the mela plastic-free, announcements were made by all sanitary inspectors, CFs and motivators.

The minister lauded Jalandhar Municipal Corporation for putting continuous efforts to make the mela plastic-free. He extended gratitude to all the organisations involved in the event and thanked the devotees for their support.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion were Director Swachh Bharat Mission Puran Singh, Commissioner MC Jalandhar Gautam Jain, Additional Commissioner Amarjit Bains, Joint Commissioner Puneet Sharma, Assistant Commissioner Rajesh Khokhar, Secretary Ajay Sharma, along with Asssistant Health Officers Shri Krishan, Sumita Abrol and area sanitary inspectors.