Bhadrachalam: Innovative drive launched to make temple town plastic free

Bhadrachalam (Kothagudem): An innovative campaign was launched against single use plastic in the district as part of making Bharachalam a plastic-free district. The campaign was jointly organised by Join for Development (JD) Foundation and the local Chambers of Commerce and Trade.

As part of the initiative, members of both the organisations visited shops, hotels and other commercial establishments in the town and handed pamphlets, explaining the effects of plastic on environment, along with a rose flower.

They also met petty traders and appealed that they avoid using polythene carry bags. "The response from the traders and shop owners is good. All of them are willing to quit plastic carry bags and even asking their customers to carry their own bags," Khamamm-Bhadradri, Kothagudem JD foundation Convener K Murali Mohan Kumar said.

Traders selling fruits and vegetables, those running small eateries were now able to save as much as Rs 100 per day after they quit using plastic carry bags and saving Rs 100 a day means a lot to them, he explained.

Plastic items vendor Ramesh, who used to sell plastic cups, bottles, glasses and carry bags to majority of shops in Bhadrachalam, has now switched over to products made with paper cloth. "This indicates active involvement of every concerned individual to create a plastic-free Bhadrachalam," Mohan Kumar said.

He further informed that Chambers of Commerce and Trade Khambampati Suresh took the initiative in introducing paper made straws for the first time in the town for the purpose of drinking cool drinks and juices. Recognising the efforts by the JD Foundation and Chambers of Commerce and Trade, Guntur based KBR Foundation has chosen JD Foundation Bhadrachalam chapter for the annual 'Seva Puraskaram.'

Speaking to The Hans India, Chamber of Commerce and Trade Khambampati Suresh said as part of making temple town plastic free everyone from major to small businesses should extend support.