Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla launches “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” campaign on World Environment Day

Inaugurated Cloth Bag ATM at sector vegetable & fruit market 26

Chandigarh, June 5:- Reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and greener future, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today launched a special campaign titled “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” to mark World Environment Day.

The campaign was officially launched by city Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla in the presence of MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Area Councillor Sh. Dalip Sharma, Joint Commissioner Sh. Himanshu Gupta, SBM Brand Ambassador Sh. Parveen Duggal and other prominent persons of the area from Sector 26 Mandi, one of the city’s major hotspots for plastic usage and distribution.

The highlight of the campaign was the introduction of an innovative initiative – the “Cloth Bag ATM”. Installed by the NGO I HATE POLYTHENE, this machine dispenses eco-friendly cloth bags at a nominal cost of ₹10, which is fully refundable upon return.

While speaking on the occassion, the Mayor said that this initiative aims to offer a practical alternative to single-use plastic bags and promote sustainable consumption practices.

She further said that to support the return mechanism, Vikalp Stores will be established across local markets, serving as designated return points for the used cloth bags. This system encourages a circular model of usage, return, and reuse – reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility among citizens.

MCC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, applauded the efforts of the NGO and directed them to include QR code payment options to make the process more convenient for users.

He emphasized the importance of adopting eco-friendly alternatives and said this campaign would go a long way in changing public attitudes towards plastic.

Area Councillor Sh. Dalip Sharma echoed this sentiment, stating that the eradication of plastic from daily life is only possible with the active cooperation and participation of the public.

The Mayor and Commissioner urged all citizens to come forward and support the “Plastic Mukt Chandigarh” initiative, making a collective effort toward building a sustainable and plastic-free city.

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MC Chandigarh celebrates World Environment Day

Mayor and Commissioner planted saplings of Ornamental trees at Sarangpur under "Women for Trees" initiative

Chandigarh, June 5:-To mark the occasion of World Environment Day, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh organized a special plantation drive at the Community Center in Sarangpur. The event was celebrated under the banner of “Women for Trees – An AMRUT Mitra Initiative”, emphasizing the crucial role women play in protecting and nurturing the environment.

The City Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS and councillors including Sh. Ram Chander Yadav, area councilor, Sh. Satinder Singh Siddhu, nominated councillor and other senior officers of MCC planted saplings of various Ornamental trees inside the compound area.

The theme for this year’s drive was “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, encouraging citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers and reinforce the emotional bond with Mother Earth. The slogan for the event, “हमारी धरा, हमारा भविष्य” (Our Earth, Our Future), echoed throughout the gathering, spreading the message of sustainability and collective responsibility.

While speaking on the occasion, the Mayor emphasized the importance of green cover in urban areas and lauded the participation of women in environmental efforts. “Planting a tree today secures the health and wellbeing of future generations. Through this initiative, we aim to promote a greener, cleaner Chandigarh,” she said.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar urged citizens to take active steps in environmental conservation beyond World Environment Day, highlighting that such community-driven events foster a deep-rooted sense of ecological responsibility.

More than 100 saplings of native and shade-giving species were planted during the drive, with local residents and volunteers joining hands to make the event a success. The campaign not only served as a platform for afforestation but also as a celebration of motherhood, nature, and civic unity.
The Municipal Corporation plans to hold similar drives across other sectors in the coming months to continue the momentum of green initiatives.