Fulfilling his duty as head of Goraksh Peeth in Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ensured that the entire temple complex would be plastic-free and devotees coming at the Peeth would be urged to bring ‘khichdi’ in cloth and paper bags. A  fair is held on Khichdi / Makar Sankranti in the temple premises for a month every year.

After  the CM’s request, devotees carrying khichdi from villages have been seen in the temple premises adhering to the eco-friendly process.

“Devotees bring khichdi in cloth and paper bags inside the temple premises is indeed heartening. It reflects people’s commitment towards protecting the environment and also proves that the society respects selfless and people-friendly requests made to them,” said a government spokesman.

While visiting Gorakhnath temple on January 2 and inspecting Khichdi Mela ground, the CM had appealed to devotees to bring khichdi in a  cloth or paper bag instead of polythene bags.

Earlier, Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation has declared the area adjoining the temple complex as a polythene-free zone. Besides, publicity was started to stop the use of plastic bags in the temple premises.

Despite this, if someone brought khichdi in polythene bags, then arrangements have been made to replace it. Many departments and institutions like Khadi, Municipal Corporation, Prison, Indian Medical Association and others were helping in preparing and distribution of such bags.

The spokesman also said that a record number of plantations have been done during Van Mahotsav, which is held every year from World Environment Day (June 5) which is a proof of the CM’s love for environment conservation.