Odisha has taken a major step toward environmental protection by banning single-use plastic in temple premises.
The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) issued fresh guidelines under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, prohibiting devotees from carrying offerings in polythene or plastic materials. The directive also restricts the use of plastic for puja materials, prasad distribution, and food service.
The SPCB encouraged devotees to use bamboo baskets, leaf containers, and reusable baskets for offerings. Vendors inside and around temple premises must avoid plastic packaging and switch to eco-friendly options. Temple administrations have been instructed to provide bamboo baskets and leaf-made containers for puja materials. They must also install colour-coded bins for dry and wet waste and hand over collected waste to municipal authorities.
The guidelines prohibit thermocol and plastic cutlery, including cups, plates, straws, knives, forks, and spoons. Plastic carry bags thinner than 120 microns are banned. Temple authorities must ensure compliance not only within temple premises but also among nearby hotels, restaurants, and vendors. Eco-friendly substitutes such as leaf plates, wooden spoons, paper straws, and compostable cutlery must be arranged.
To prevent water pollution, temple authorities must designate enclosed areas in ponds or water bodies for naivedya immersion. This will allow proper disposal of ritual materials later. Awareness campaigns will encourage devotees to use designated bins and immersion zones responsibly.
SPCB officials stressed that collective cooperation from devotees, vendors, and temple administrations is essential to keep temple premises clean and uphold the sanctity of religious spaces while protecting the environment.
