Bhubaneswar, 24 June (H.S.): Ahead of the grand and sacred Rath Yatra, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has released a video message appealing to devotees and tourists to refrain from using single-use plastics during the festival. Emphasizing environmental protection, he called upon the public to contribute to keeping Puri clean and safe during the celebrations.
Calling Rath Yatra a divine occasion symbolizing the holy union of Lord Jagannath with his devotees, Minister Pradhan highlighted the spiritual significance of the event, where Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Sudarshan are taken out in majestic chariots to bless millions of devotees. Pilgrims from across the country and abroad will arrive in Puri to witness this unique spectacle. The state government and district administration are working tirelessly to ensure a grand and seamless celebration.
Minister Pradhan expressed concern over the increasing use of plastic bags, water bottles, disposable cups, and food packaging during the Rath Yatra, which leads to severe pollution along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) and other parts of Puri, including water bodies like the sea, ponds, and drains. He warned that such waste not only damages the environment but also poses a serious threat to animals and birds who often fall victim to plastic pollution.
Highlighting that environmental sustainability has become a global challenge, he stated that single-use plastic remains a major contributor to pollution. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness, environmental protection, and safety of life, the Minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called upon citizens to eliminate single-use plastics from daily life.
Minister Pradhan made a specific appeal to completely avoid single-use plastic in Puri from Rath Yatra on June 27 to Bahuda Yatra on July 5. He urged all devotees and visitors to pledge their support to keep the environment clean and safe during this time and promote the reuse and recycling of plastic as part of a wider public movement.
He also called upon social organizations, especially youth and volunteer groups, to come forward and actively participate in this environmental initiative. Terming it a crucial and impactful step, he stated that this collective effort will contribute significantly towards securing a sustainable future for the coming generations.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
