Pandharpur pilgrims to get green lessons

The lakhs of devotees thronging to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage this year will learn a lessons global warming and other environment related issues.

The lakhs of devotees thronging to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage this year will learn a lessons global warming and other environment related issues.

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The Pandharpur yatra, which began on June 23, is the annual pilgrimage from Dehu and Alandi in Pune to the Vithoba Temple at Pandharpur, Solapur. It will end on July 11 at Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi.

In an effort to raise awareness on various environmental concerns, the state pollution control board has enlisted folk artistes to spread the green message among the pilgrims.

For the next 16 days till the pilgrimage ends, 40 folk artistes along with 200 pilgrim volunteers will touch upon issues such as not using plastic, saving water and saving energy through dance, devotional songs and cultural programmes.

“Be it urban areas or rural, environment issues are the same; from the absence of segregation of dry and wet waste, to garbage dumping as well as littering public spaces with plastic,” said Sanjay Bhuskute, official from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

“Pilgrims can become brand ambassadors in their own villages and participate in reducing greenhouse gases in their own little ways,” he added.

Every time the pilgrimage halts, villagers will be told the advantages of planting trees, using organic fertilisers and eco-friendly habits. Handbills with tips to conserve energy will be distributed.