Bhubaneswar, June 24: Ahead of the sacred Rath Yatra, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan released a video message urging devotees and tourists to avoid single-use plastic during the festivities in Puri.
Calling the Rath Yatra a divine occasion symbolizing the union of devotee and Lord Jagannath, the minister highlighted that preparations in Shrikshetra Puri are in full swing, with the state government and district administration working to ensure smooth celebrations.
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Pradhan expressed concern over the excessive use of plastic items like polythene bags, water bottles, and disposable containers by pilgrims, which lead to environmental pollution, harm to animals, and damage to water bodies.
He stressed that environmental protection is a global challenge and that the overuse of single-use plastics is a key contributor to pollution. Referencing Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on cleanliness and sustainability, Pradhan urged people to join the movement against single-use plastic and support the vision of a “Healthy Odisha, Happy Odisha.”
The minister called for a complete ban on single-use plastic in Puri from June 27 (Rath Yatra) to July 5 (Bahuda Yatra), appealing to social organizations and youth volunteers to raise awareness and promote recycling.
Concluding with a hopeful note, Pradhan said this effort would protect future generations and wished that the divine message of Mahaprabhu Jagannath spreads far and wide.
#WATCH | Union Minister #DharmendraPradhan releases a video message ahead of the #RathYatra in Puri, appeals to the public to avoid single-use plastic and keep Puri clean & pollution-free during the grand festival.#rathyatra2025 #RathaJatra2025 #RathaJatra #Odisha @dpradhanbjp pic.twitter.com/ZcO0rm6FMe
— Prameya English (@PrameyaEnglish) June 24, 2025
