The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has launched a state-wide cleanliness and environmental campaign around major religious sites, with a focus on reducing plastic waste during the Shravan month.
Named ‘Swachh Tirthsthan, Pavitra Gujarat’, the campaign will create designated ‘Swachh Dharmik Zones’ extending 100 metres from the main entrances of identified temples. The areas will be monitored to prevent the use and disposal of single-use plastic.
The initiative is aimed at managing the large volume of waste generated around religious places due to the movement of devotees and the use of plastic packaging and other disposable items.
Special Focus on Temple Waste
As part of the campaign, arrangements will be made for the separate collection of flowers, leaves and other organic material offered during religious rituals.
Collection containers will be placed at designated points so that devotees can deposit these offerings instead of leaving them around temple premises or disposing of them with other waste.
The collected material will subsequently be processed into products such as compost, incense sticks and dhoop cones. The system is intended to promote waste segregation and reduce the amount of organic material ending up in dumping areas.
Volunteers to Assist Authorities
The GPCB will seek the participation of NGOs, Sakhi Mandals, Youth Mandals and volunteers associated with the National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC).
Volunteers will be involved in awareness activities and help devotees understand waste segregation and responsible disposal practices. They will also assist authorities in maintaining cleanliness around religious sites. Participants will work under the designations ‘Harit Sathi’ and ‘Swachh Tirthasthan Sevaks’ during the campaign.
Through the initiative, the GPCB aims to strengthen plastic-free practices at major religious destinations while encouraging devotees, local communities and voluntary organisations to participate in maintaining cleaner temple surroundings.