Bhubaneswar, June 24: In a heartfelt appeal ahead of the sacred Rath Yatra festival, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged devotees and citizens to completely avoid the use of single-use plastic during the event in Puri.

Highlighting the environmental concerns posed by items like polythene bags, plastic water bottles, and disposable containers often used for offerings and food, the Union Minister emphasized that these practices pollute the iconic Grand Road (Badadanda) and negatively impact the local ecosystem.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness, environmental protection, and safety, Pradhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide call to eliminate single-use plastics in pursuit of a healthier and sustainable future. He also stressed the need to initiate a mass movement for reuse and recycling, viewing it as a powerful step to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Calling the Rath Yatra a divine occasion symbolizing the union of devotees and the deity, Pradhan encouraged everyone to participate in the festivities with devotion while committing to preserving Puri’s sanctity and natural beauty.

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