Plastic to be banned on Jagannath Temple premises from April 1

BHUBANESWAR: The Jagannath temple administration in Puri on Wednesday announced a ban on the use of plastic on the shrine premises from April 1. Despite the state government banning single-use plastic in all urban local bodies on October 2 last, the rule was rampantly violated at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
"We still find devotees and servitors using plastic items, including carry bags, inside the temple. From April 1, we will start the enforcement drive and completely ban the use of plastic in the temple. Awareness drives will be undertaken to sensitise devotees and servitors to the ban. Hoardings will be installed around the temple to draw people's attention to the plastic ban," temple's chief administrator Krishan Kumar said after convening the shrine's Chhatisa Nijog meeting with servitors of different associations in Puri on Wednesday. Kumar said the Puri district administration will explore any alternative use of the plastic in the temple.
Currently, plastic carry bags are being used in the temple to carry mahaprasad and dry bhog from the temple to outside. Devotees also take plastic water bottles and carry bags containing their belongings into the temple. "We will form enforcement squads for checking from April 1. Violators will be fined. The fine amount will be finalised soon," Kumar said.