Mata Chintpurni Fair Sets an Example in Environmental Conservation

 Mata Chintpurni Fair Sets an Example in Environmental Conservation

Plastic-free langars, temporary and pink toilets, Red Cross camps, ambulance services, and Civil Defence playing a key role in traffic control

Hoshiarpur / Daljeet Ajnoha/July 27

Under the “Chadhda Sooraj” campaign, the District Administration and Red Cross Society Hoshiarpur have taken several impactful steps to make the Mata Chintpurni Fair clean, safe, health-sensitive, and environmentally friendly.

This year, all langars (community kitchens) at the fair have been made 100% plastic-free. No plastic plates, glasses, spoons, or bottles are being used. Instead, traditional "donas" and steel utensils are being used. Langar organizers were given clear instructions in advance to avoid the use of single-use plastic.

To maintain hygiene in the langars, NGO volunteers have been continuously deployed. They are helping in utensil cleaning, waste management, and spreading awareness among devotees about cleanliness.

Civil Defence volunteers are significantly assisting the police and administration in traffic regulation, crowd control, and managing emergency situations, contributing to a safe and organized fair.

For the convenience of devotees, adequate arrangements of temporary toilets have been made, including special “Pink Toilets” for women, which ensure both hygiene and safety.

The Red Cross Society has set up special service camps to provide healthcare support. These include the distribution of sanitary pads for women, free medicines for first aid, and health consultations for those in need. An ambulance service is also stationed at the fair to provide immediate emergency response.

Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain expressed gratitude to all related departments, voluntary organizations, langar committees, and especially the Civil Defence and Red Cross volunteers for helping to organize the fair in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. She appealed to the devotees to avoid using plastic, maintain cleanliness, and cooperate with the volunteers.

She further said that if society comes together for cleanliness and environmental protection in religious events, the message can spread not only across Punjab but throughout the entire country.

The “Chadhda Sooraj” campaign has now become more than just a plastic ban — it is a powerful symbol of social awareness, collective effort, and administrative collaboration.