To combat plastic waste Pollution Control Board distributes 7 Lakh biodegradable packets at Fatehgarh Sahib Shahidi Jor Mel
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ December 27,2025
Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairperson Reena Gupta inaugurated the unique initiative of distribution of religious offerings in biodegradable and compostable disposable materials during the Jor Mel gathering at Fatehgarh Sahib.
Seven lakh such packets including plates, glasses, bowls and spoons etc are being distributed at the three-day event (Dec 25-26-27) aiming to make Punjab garbage and plastic free. “PPCB is taking multi-pronged approach in combatting pollution caused by plastic. Apart from encouraging eco-friendly alternatives, the Board has cracked down heavily on FMCG companies whose packets have been littering our environment. We appeal to the public to make conscious choices,” said PPCB Member Secretary Dr.Lavneet Kumar Dubey, who was also present in the event.
“ Religious processions in India generate tonnes of plastic waste, mostly choking our rivers. Environmental protection is not just an administrative responsibility, but it is also our social and moral duty. I appreciate the Gurdwara administration for spearheading this noble initiative, hoping all others across India to follow ,” said the Board Chairperson at the inaugural ceremony, stressing the significance of using eco-friendly options in religious programmes to conserve environment and human health along with cleanliness.
To put into perspective, researchers have argued that approximately 15,000 tons of plastic are generated daily, yet only 1/3 is collected, leaving 6,000 tons uncollected.
Gupta thanked Fatehgarh Sahib District Deputy Commissioner Sona Thind, other district officials, industrial units of Khanna and Mandi Gobindgarh and the entire team of Regional Office of Fatehgarh Sahib for this great initiative.
