Complete ban on plastic in Mahabodhi temple complex
Samvad Sutra, Bodh Gaya (Gayaji). A big and strict decision has been taken towards making the World Heritage Mahabodhi Temple complex plastic free. From Thursday, a complete ban has been implemented on the use of plastic packets, bottles and containers in the temple premises. This step has been taken with the aim of maintaining the cleanliness and sanctity of the temple premises along with environmental protection.
Till now, a large number of devotees and tourists used to enter the temple premises carrying puja material, water, prasad and other essential items in plastic packets or containers.
After the puja, these were thrown in the premises itself, due to which the problem of filth and pollution was continuously increasing. Many times, despite cleaning, there was a pile of plastic waste in the premises, which was not in keeping with the dignity of the world heritage.
In view of this situation, Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) has decided to impose a complete ban on plastic. Information boards have been installed at all the entry points of the temple, on which clear information related to plastic ban is given in four languages.
Its purpose is to inform the devotees and tourists coming from India and abroad about the rules in advance, so that they enter the temple premises without plastic material.
BTMC Secretary Dr. Mahasweta Maharathi has appealed to the devotees to bring puja material in cloth or paper bags. He said that Mahabodhi Temple is not only a center of religious faith, but it is also a world heritage.
It is everyone's moral responsibility to cooperate in its cleanliness and environmental protection. The plastic free campus will help in keeping the temple clean, beautiful and eco-friendly.
It is noteworthy that earlier instructions were given several times by the BTMC staff and temple security personnel not to use plastic, but it was not being followed completely.
Now this rule is being strictly implemented. The temple administration and security personnel are checking plastic material at the entrance itself.
Any devotees or tourists who are reaching the temple with plastic are being stopped before entry and are being instructed to come without plastic material.
The administration believes that this strictness will increase awareness among the devotees in some time and the Mahabodhi Temple complex will become completely plastic free.
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