Rath Yatra 2025: Puri's Bold Move Towards a Plastic-Free Celebration

Puri's Environmental Initiative for Rath Yatra

Puri: As the sacred Rath Yatra approaches, the city is actively implementing its second year of an extensive environmental management program aimed at ensuring a clean and plastic-free celebration. This initiative, led by Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) and the Anandana Coca-Cola India Foundation (ACCIF), in collaboration with the Puri Municipality, district administration, and the Odisha Development Management Programme (ODMP), aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global appeal on World Environment Day 2025 to tackle plastic pollution.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reaffirmed his commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision by promoting eco-friendly alternatives and effective waste management strategies. The state government is mobilizing local communities through awareness campaigns and participatory actions to foster a cleaner and greener Odisha. In a recent discussion with Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and additional chief secretary for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu, along with ACCIF representatives, ongoing efforts to minimize plastic use during the festival were reviewed. Sahu commended the unwavering commitment of HCCB and its partners, especially their volunteer-led initiatives in collecting used PET bottles and advocating for responsible environmental practices.

Building on the achievements of Rath Yatra 2024, where over 850,000 PET bottles—amounting to more than 17,000 kg—were gathered with the assistance of trained ‘Safai Sathis’, this year’s goal is to enhance environmental awareness, promote responsible PET waste collection, and instill civic responsibility, particularly among the youth, in line with the national ‘Jan Andolan’ for environmental conservation.

The 2025 campaign will feature several key activities, including a 10-day volunteer training program from June 26 to July 5, the establishment of PET collection points at key locations, an initial beach-cleaning drive, and the placement of 200 dustbins throughout the city. Additional initiatives will include help desks, street performances, and a ceremonial pledge event to strengthen community involvement. With robust collaboration among local authorities, temple administration, and civil society, Rath Yatra 2025 aspires to be not only a spiritually significant occasion but also a benchmark for sustainable and plastic-free mass gatherings.