Sambalpur: Samaleswari Temple to Become Plastic-Free; Paper Bags to Replace Plastic Wrappers for Offerings
Sambalpur: Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has suggested making the Samaleswari Temple plastic-free. During his visit to the temple, he discussed various aspects of its management. The meeting was attended by Sambalpur District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, SMC Commissioner Vedbhushan, Samaleswari Temple Trust Chairman Sanjay Babu, and other trust members. Following the minister’s advice, the temple trust has already begun the process of eliminating plastic use.
Thousands Visit the Temple Daily
Every day, around 4,000 to 5,000 devotees visit the temple, while the number rises to 20,000 to 25,000 during festivals and over one lakh on special occasions like Mahalaya. Most devotees bring offerings such as coconuts, sweets, and incense sticks in plastic wrappers, which creates a huge waste problem. To address this issue, the temple trust has decided to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
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Replacing Plastic with Paper Bags
There are 20–25 offering stalls near the temple, and vendors will soon be encouraged to use paper bags and cloth pouches instead of plastic wrappers. Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate both vendors and devotees. However, authorities need to find an alternative to plastic packaging of incense sticks and other religious items. They are considering the use of bamboo-based materials as a replacement.
Waste Management Plans
The temple already has a sewage treatment plant for wastewater management and a composting unit for biodegradable waste. However, temple authorities face challenges in maintaining cleanliness due to excessive para (sacrificial remains) and other waste materials. The minister has instructed officials to implement better waste management practices to keep the temple surroundings clean.
Final Steps Toward a Plastic-Free Temple
With these initiatives, the Samaleswari Temple is set to become an eco-friendly pilgrimage site. Authorities are taking proactive measures to reduce plastic waste, promote sustainable alternatives, and ensure a cleaner environment for devotees. The official plastic-free implementation will begin soon, bringing a positive change to the temple premises.
