PPCB, Sikh clergy unite for plastic-free langar initiative during Holla Mohalla

In a significant step blending faith with environmental responsibility, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has launched a special initiative to make the upcoming Holla Mohalla celebrations free from single-use plastic. The effort has found strong support from Sikh clergy, giving hope that one of Punjab’s largest religious gatherings can also become an example of sustainable community living.

A delegation of PPCB officials today met the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, seeking his cooperation to discourage the use of plastic in ‘langars’ (community kitchens) organised during the festival. Thousands of devotees from across the country set up community kitchens during Holla Mohalla, offering free food to pilgrims as part of the Sikh tradition of ‘seva’.

Charanjit Singh, Executive Engineer of PPCB and a member of the delegation, told The Tribune that the Jathedar was requested to issue an advisory to all devotees and organisations arranging langars to serve food in steel utensils instead of disposable plastic plates, bowls and glasses. “We explained that the intention is not to disturb religious practices, but to protect the environment while upholding the spirit of seva,” he said.

The initiative goes beyond appeals alone.

PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta has announced that the Board will provide biodegradable plates and bowls free of cost to langar organisers during the festival. “Where steel utensils are not feasible due to the scale of arrangements, biodegradable alternatives will be supplied so that plastic can be completely avoided,” Charanjit Singh added.

Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj welcomed the proposal and assured full cooperation. He agreed to issue a formal advisory urging devotees to either use reusable steel utensils or biodegradable material provided by PPCB. Religious volunteers, he said, have always been at the forefront of social reform, and environmental protection is a moral responsibility that aligns with Sikh teachings of respect for nature.

For local residents of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, the move brings a sense of relief. Every year after Holla Mohalla, long stretches of roads and open areas are littered with used plastic plates, cups and carry bags discarded by pilgrims. Municipal workers struggle for days to clear the waste, much of which eventually ends up in drains, fields and nearby rivulets.

“Holla Mohalla brings pride and prosperity, but it also leaves behind mountains of plastic,” said Harjinder Singh, a shopkeeper near Anandpur Sahib. “If steel and biodegradable utensils are used, it will make a big difference.”

This year, the celebrations will be held from February 27 to March 3 at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib. Although single-use plastic is officially banned in Punjab, its use remains widespread, especially during large gatherings, contributing significantly to solid waste pollution.

Environmental activists see the PPCB-clergy collaboration as a powerful model. If successful, the plastic-free langar initiative at Holla Mohalla could inspire similar steps at other major religious events across the state, proving that faith and environmental care can move forward hand in hand.