To tackle the growing plastic pollution, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has initiated a drive to install cloth bag vending machines at prominent temples in the state.

The drive aims to provide devotees with reusable cloth bags instead of plastic ones.

Currently, 14 machines have been installed at prominent temples, including Ambaji, Somnath, Dwarka, Shamlaji, Sarangpur, and ISKCON.

Devotees are provided a cloth bag for the prasad at a cost of ₹5, with a payment facility available in coin or UPI modes.

GPCB has sold over 5,000 bags within 60 days at these temples. To further expand their initiative, plans are underway to install similar machines at 250 Amul parlours across the state in the next month.

GPCB Chairman R B Barad said, “We have strategically installed vending machines to reduce plastic bag usage and promote cloth bags, making eco-friendly options more accessible and beneficial for everyone.”