Chandigarh, February 27:- In a decisive and uncompromising move against the escalating plastic menace, Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi has called for an immediate and absolute ban on polythene across the city, urging swift executive intervention to declare Chandigarh a “Zero-Polythene City.”

In a formal communication addressed to the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, the Mayor emphasized that the unchecked circulation and usage of plastic carry bags, despite existing restrictions, has pushed the city into an environmental and moral crisis. Expressing deep concern, he stated that the issue has moved beyond routine sanitation lapses and now threatens the very identity of Chandigarh as the ‘City Beautiful.’

The Mayor highlighted the grave plight of stray cattle, particularly cows revered as Gau Mata, who are forced to ingest polythene from garbage heaps—leading to severe internal blockages, prolonged suffering and often painful deaths. He asserted that protecting Gau Mata is not merely a matter of faith, but a humanitarian duty rooted in compassion and responsibility.

Raising alarm over unregulated scrap operations in peripheral villages, he pointed out that plastic waste scattered during segregation is contaminating agricultural fields, degrading soil fertility and polluting groundwater, thereby endangering both rural ecosystems and public health. Calling for strong and visible enforcement, the Mayor has proposed a comprehensive crackdown, including a total prohibition on manufacture, storage and sale of polythene bags; mandatory enclosure and strict regulation of scrap yards; establishment of plastic-free garbage collection points to safeguard stray animals; and imposition of stringent penalties on violators.

Reaffirming his commitment to a cleaner, greener and compassionate Chandigarh, the Mayor urged the Administration to act without delay and launch a citywide enforcement and awareness campaign, stressing that timely action today will safeguard the environment, protect innocent animals and uphold Chandigarh’s legacy as a model city for the nation.

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