Gujarat — The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) has taken a unique step to play its part in the fight against plastic pollution. The GPCB has installed cloth bag vending machines at all the prominent temples across the state.

These machines provide devotees with easy access to reusable cloth bags. The initiative also includes reverse vending machines for plastic bottles. These machines have been installed at seven major ST bus stands and one railway station.

The GPCB was recently started with a single objective of creating a plastic-free state. The organisation hopes that this initiative will make eco-friendly cloth bags more accessible and beneficial for everyone. Chairman of the GPCB R.B. Barad said, “Vending Machines have been installed to reduce plastic bag usage and promote cloth bags, making eco-friendly options more accessible and beneficial for everyone. He said the initiative has received a positive response from temple devotees, with over 5,000 bags sold within 60 days. To further expand this initiative, GPCB plans to install similar machines at 250 Amul Parlour outlets across the state within the next month.”