Akal Takht and Punjab Pollution Control Board Issue Joint Appeal for Plastic-Free Religious Congregations
Bahadurjeet Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 11,2026
In a significant step towards promoting environmentally responsible practices, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, and Chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board, Reena Gupta along with Er. Gurkaran Singh Environmental Engineer, Er.Arshdeep Singh Environmental Engineer, Er.Harsimran Singh Sodhi Assistant Environmental Engineer met at Shri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib and issued a joint appeal to the people of Punjab to adopt sustainable practices during religious and cultural gatherings.
The appeal urges the sangat to refrain from using single-use plastic and thermocol-based products, especially in the serving of langar, parshad and other offerings. Emphasizing Sikh traditions of sewa and respect for nature, it calls for a return to reusable steel utensils and environmentally conscious alternatives.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj highlighted that preserving the sanctity of religious places also includes caring for the environment, and encouraged devotees to adopt practices that reflect harmony with nature. Reena Gupta underscored the growing concern around microplastics, which are increasingly being detected in the environment and even in the human body, posing health risks. She urged citizens to extend these practices beyond congregations into daily life by minimizing plastic use and opting for cloth and jute bags.
Both sides appreciated the collective efforts undertaken during the Plastic-Free Hola Mohalla initiative at Anandpur Sahib, with the support of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, where extensive awareness campaigns and on-ground interventions were carried out to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastics.
The joint appeal further calls upon the public to continue such efforts during the upcoming festival of Baisakhi and ensuring that these gatherings remain clean, green, and environmentally responsible. As part of these ongoing efforts, PPCB will also set up an awareness stall at Talwandi Sabo during the Baisakhi Mela. A recent meeting with the management of Takht Shri Damdama Sahib reaffirmed a shared commitment to organizing an “Eco-friendly Mela” with strict prohibition of single-use plastics, setting a positive example for the state.
