Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/July 27 – This information was shared by Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain in an exclusive conversation with senior journalist Sanjiv Kumar. Taking a significant step towards environmental sustainability during the Mata Chintpurni Fair, the Hoshiarpur district administration has initiated a 100% no-plastic campaign in all langars operating within the district. This green mission is being implemented under the “Chardha Sooraj” campaign, in collaboration with the Red Cross Society, and aims to eliminate single-use plastic from all religious food service areas during the fair.
DC Ashika Jain informed that over 20 NGOs from Hoshiarpur have pledged their support for this eco-initiative. More than 300 volunteers — comprising 150 NGO members and 150 Civil Defense personnel — are being deployed in rotational shifts across langars from Adampur to the Hoshiarpur border. These volunteers will be responsible for maintaining cleanliness, ensuring plastic-free operations, educating pilgrims on sustainable practices, assisting in waste management, and compiling daily performance reports on participating langars throughout the 10-day fair.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that this mission is not merely about cleanliness but about setting a new standard for eco-conscious religious events. She called on the media to widely publicize the initiative to inspire similar efforts at other religious gatherings. As a motivational measure, the administration will recognize the cleanest and most eco-compliant langar with an award, and outstanding volunteers will also be felicitated for their exemplary service.
To facilitate this effort, the district administration has established cloth bag distribution points, drinking water facilities, additional dustbins, and specialized sanitation teams. Additionally, with support from the Municipal Corporation, Punjab Pollution Control Board, and the Rural Development Department, eco-friendly utensils including plates and spoons worth ₹5 lakh will be distributed to langars that may unknowingly be using plastic items.
Ashika Jain appealed to all langar committees to completely avoid single-use plastic and encouraged pilgrims to bring their own cloth or jute bags and reusable water bottles. Shopkeepers have also been urged to shift to eco-friendly packaging. Volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance and reinforce the message of environmental responsibility. The “Chardha Sooraj” campaign, she said, is not just a movement — it’s a commitment to gifting a cleaner and greener tomorrow to the next generation.
For public convenience, a dedicated control room has been established in partnership with Reliance Industries. Pilgrims can contact 01882-292570 in case of any emergency. The Deputy Commissioner further advised devotees to avoid carrying heavy luggage and strictly refrain from traveling on bus rooftops. The administration has made comprehensive arrangements for traffic regulation, public safety, sanitation, and healthcare services throughout the duration of the fair.
