Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla launches “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” campaign on World Environment Day
Inaugurated Cloth Bag ATM at sector vegetable & fruit market 26
The Voice of Canada-The Voice of Chandigarh News
Reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and greener future, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today launched a special campaign titled “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” to mark World Environment Day.
The campaign was officially launched by city Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla in the presence of MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, IAS, Area Councillor Dalip Sharma, Joint Commissioner Himanshu Gupta, SBM Brand Ambassador Parveen Duggal and other prominent persons of the area from Sector 26 Mandi, one of the city’s major hotspots for plastic usage and distribution.
The highlight of the campaign was the introduction of an innovative initiative – the “Cloth Bag ATM”. Installed by the NGO I HATE POLYTHENE, this machine dispenses eco-friendly cloth bags at a nominal cost of ₹10, which is fully refundable upon return.
While speaking on the occassion, the Mayor said that this initiative aims to offer a practical alternative to single-use plastic bags and promote sustainable consumption practices.
She further said that to support the return mechanism, Vikalp Stores will be established across local markets, serving as designated return points for the used cloth bags. This system encourages a circular model of usage, return, and reuse – reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility among citizens.
MCC Commissioner Amit Kumar, IAS, applauded the efforts of the NGO and directed them to include QR code payment options to make the process more convenient for users.
He emphasized the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives and said this campaign would go a long way in changing public attitudes towards plastic.
Area Councillor Dalip Sharma echoed this sentiment, stating that the eradication of plastic from daily life is only possible with the active cooperation and participation of the public.
The Mayor and Commissioner urged all citizens to come forward and support the “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” initiative, making a collective effort toward building a sustainable and plastic-free city.
