Pune: Even after the State Government’s plastic ban decision, the Dehu Gram Panchayat (GP) had collected a huge number of thermocol plates last year, after the Sant Tukaram palkhi procession left Dehugaon. Therefore this year, the GP has taken an initiative ‘Harit Wari’ where they will distribute leaf plates along with saplings to the pilgrims.

The Sant Tukaram palkhi procession in which thousands of pilgrims (warkaris) take part from Dehu and Alandi to Pandharpur will leave on June 25 from Dehugaon. The Dehu GP is keen on its initiative and therefore, it has already started informing the palkhi heads to carry only steel plates, glass, spoons and bowls.

Sarpanch of Dehu GP Jyoti Tilekar said, “Last year, we had collected more than one ton of thermocol plates, glasses, and spoons. Plastic waste was also included in it. But this year, we are taking precautionary measures in advance by informing the palkhi heads on carrying only the necessary steel utensils. Also, we will be distributing leaf plates for free to the warkaris.”

Speaking on this, a member of Dehu GP Santosh Hagawane said, “Last year the initiative was ‘Swachh Wari Sundar Wari’ and this year the initiative is ‘Harit Wari’. Along with distributing leaf plates, we will be giving saplings to the warkaris and they will plant it alongside their way towards Pandharpur.” 
 
Around 600 mobile toilets will be installed for the warkaris and the sewage will be given to Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation for treatment, Tilekar added.