Prayagraj: In a bid to ensure that Maha Kumbh is both environmentally friendly and plastic-free all single-use plastics will be banned during the event, with eco-friendly alternatives like dona (leaf plates), pattal (leaf bowls), Kulhars (clay cups) and jute and cloth bags are being promoted to ensure a sustainable celebration.
To facilitate this initiative, special stalls offering jute and cloth bags, as well as dona, pattal, and kulhars, will be set up within the fairgrounds, making it convenient for visitors to use sustainable products. The government has already issued tenders to support these preparations, marking a significant step toward a cleaner, greener Maha Kumbh.
The Prayagraj Mela Authority has planned to set up stalls offering natural products as alternatives to plastic during Maha Kumbh. A tender has been issued to set up stalls selling donas (leaf plates), pattals (leaf bowls), kulhars (clay cups), and cloth or jute bags.
These natural products will be available throughout the fair area. Besides, shopkeepers have been directed to use only natural products during the event. There will be a complete ban on single-use plastic items during Maha Kumbh.
To support the plastic-free initiative, Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has divided the city into zones, assigning a nodal officer for each zone to ensure cleanliness and a plastic-free environment. Their progress will be reviewed weekly.
Polythene wholesalers have been directed to stop supplying plastic bags in the city and a public awareness campaign is underway to reinforce the message. Posters and banners against plastic use will be displayed across Prayagraj as part of the Swachh Maha Kumbh, Swachh Prayagraj initiative.
Furthermore, street performances will be held at various locations to spread awareness. The Divisional Commissioner, along with the District Magistrate, recently took the pledge of 'Say No to Plastic' on the banks of Sangam, encouraging citizens to do the same.