Golden Temple, Amritsar is all set to say good bye to the use of Plastic bag inside the place. As per the decision made by Punjab Pollution Control Board & SGPC (Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandak Committee) has been on the path of saying no to the use of polybags inside the boundaries of Shri Harmandir Sahib. And instead of plastic bags, they have introduced eco-friendly carry bags.
The great decision has been rolled out in a meeting held between SCPC & Punjab Pollution Board Control Board. And the same will be implemented from 1st of April 2018, as there will be a ban on the use of plastic bags in the campus of Golden Temple Amritsar. Know details about new carry bags to be used in the premises of the shrine.
All about the new bags to be used at Golden Temple instead of Plastic Bags
The new carry bags that will be used inside the campus of Golden Temple will be made of starch-containing granules like- wheat, potato, maiza & more. Despite being 100 percent biodegradable, it will also much more stronger than the plastic bags. Whereas the Government has also allowed them to import the raw material to be used for manufacturing the eco-friendly carry bags. And as the raw materials are to be imported, the cost of these carry bags will more than the plastic bags.
PPCB has been in talks with 4 different companies for the manufacturing of these compostable carry bags. Although karha parshad at the Golden Temple has been given away in the dunas but still the pinni parshad has been served in polythene only.
Why the Step has been initiated in Harmandir Sahib, Punjab
Punjab Government has banned the use of Plastic bags since 2016. But as per the reports, 265 quintals of plastic bags have been used in the shrine every year just because of the absence of the alternative. Plastic bags have been considered as the major hazard to Punjab as it blocks the sewage, creating health issues in the area. That is why, SGPC has also joined hands with Punjab Pollution Control Board & has taken the step ahead to say no to plastic bags in the campus of the shrine. The implementation of this decision is said to be started from 1st April 2018. However, a lot many people now use cotton bags. These are eco-friendly and can be reused.
Hats off to SGPC & PPCB to such a great decision, as it not only makes people health but will also maintain the beauty of Golden Temple in Amritsar as well.