No more milk packets, disposable flower containers: All plastic to be banned at Kashi Vishwanath Dham

A landmark decision to make the Kashi Vishwanath zone completely free of plastic was taken at a meeting of stakeholders on Sunday evening.

 

The stakeholders who attended the meeting included all those who work as part of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, including shopkeepers, security and cleaning agencies, operators of guest houses, refreshment centres, those who offer free service, and other institutions located in the Dham.

 

Among the issues raised were the large influx of devotees visiting the Dham on the occasion of various major festivals like Rangbhari Ekadashi, Mahashivratri, etc., challenges in transportation, and problems faced by devotees in accessing shops. 

 

Vendors and Shastris who supply puja thalis explained their problems. The price of one thali is only ₹65, and the amount of puja material in it is scanty, leading to dissatisfaction among devotees. Shastris took up the matter of being paid just ₹150 for one rudra abhishek, a price that was fixed in 2014. 

 

The Divisional Commissioner directed the temple administration to present a well-thought-out proposal on this subject in accordance with the present times in the context of the price rise in the last 11 years and the changes in the cost of living.

 

The implementation of the proposal passed in the December 2024 board meeting of a “Plastic Free Dham” was also reviewed in the meeting. While single-use plastic has been completely banned, devotees bring milk and flower garlands in plastic containers for offering, and shopkeepers also sell them in plastic containers. It was decided that the entry of single-use plastic, polythene, etc. will be completely banned henceforth. 

 

During the upcoming Shravan month, which will start from July 11 and will continue till August 9, the use of other plastic items such as plastic lotas, etc., will also be discouraged in the Dham.

 

From August 10 2025, entry of any person carrying any kind of plastic, such as a milk container or a flower garland container, will be completely prohibited in the Dham premises. 

 

Extensive publicity for the same shall be done through media, social media and other means during the entire Shravan month.

 

From August 10, no form of plastic will be allowed inside the Dham.

 

Through this meeting, important insights were gained towards establishing better coordination between all the concerned parties for the smooth and systematic organisation of darshan during the upcoming Shravan month. 

India