Using of all types of plastic articles to be banned at Muzrai Temples in two months

Bengaluru: Come August 15, all types of plastic items including plastic water bottles will be banned at temples coming under the jurisdiction of Muzrai Department in Karnataka, said Transport and Muzrai Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy here yesterday.

He was speaking to media persons after chairing a progress review meeting of Muzrai Department at Vikasa Soudha.

Elaborating on plastic curbs, Minister Reddy said ‘Plastic-Free Temple’ drive will be launched on Aug. 15 and Muzrai temples should refrain from using plastic articles. A two-month window is given for the enforcement of the order and to facilitate the temples which have stocked plastic articles to use the same.

He further said that a comprehensive plan is on the anvil to constitute new Authorities for the temples. Master Plans will be drawn for the development of Huligemma, Male Mahadeshwara, Ghati Subramanya and Renuka Yellamma Temple Development Authorities.

The encroachment of 11 acres land belonging to Sri Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hill in Mysuru has been cleared and instruction has been given for reclaiming remaining lands from encroachers, added Reddy.

Instructions have also been given for constituting Dharmika Parishat in all the 31 districts of the State, he said, adding that Dharmika Parishat has been constituted in eight districts so far and measures will be taken to constitute the Parishat in other districts.

It has been decided to provide three-star facilities at the State-owned Bhavans (guest houses) in other States. Action will be taken to build the guest houses in Tirupati, Tulajapura, Pandrapur and other places. Online room booking facility will be introduced at the Bhavans in other States, the Minister stated.