Mysuru: Former Corporator K.V. Mallesh has appealed to the general public to extend their cooperation to the authorities in maintaining cleanliness while distributing prasadam to devotees during the upcoming Ashada Shukravara (Ashada Friday) puja rituals at Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill.

In recent times, a large number of devotees have been distributing prasadam at Chamundi Hill and various parts of the city during Ashada Fridays and Sundays. However, these areas are often left littered with plastic plates and water bottles, posing a challenge to the authorities responsible for maintaining cleanliness. The Pourakarmikas tasked with keeping the city clean are already overburdened, stated a press release issued by Mallesh.

He has urged the organisers of prasadam distribution programmes to make their own arrangements to keep the premises clean, demonstrating their commitment to the environment. Such eco-friendly measures are all the more crucial in light of recurring COVID-19 cases and concerns about epidemics.

Mallesh added that the District Administration and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) also share the responsibility of creating awareness among the public on maintaining cleanliness. Only through collective efforts can the vision of a ‘Clean Mysuru’ be realised, thereby enhancing the city’s reputation as a ‘Clean City.’

As an alternative to plastic plates and cups, Mallesh suggested using areca leaf plates and paper cups to serve prasadam. These eco-friendly alternatives are biodegradable and do not pose an environmental threat when disposed of properly.