Let's make Madhya Pradesh a plastic free state: &TV Artists

On ‘International Plastic Bag Free Day’, Madhya Pradesh natives and &TV artists talk about the environmental hazards of single-use plastic and share the eco-friendly practices they have adopted to curb the use of plastics. Shubhangi Atre aka Angoori Bhabi of &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, Kamna Pathak aka Dabang Rajesh of &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan and Sara Khan, aka Devi Paulomi of &TV’s Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein, share how simple efforts and small steps contribute to a healthier planet. Madhya Pradesh has been taking several steps on several environmental issues, including plastic pollution. With over seven crores in population, their efforts have brought about a significant change.

Shubhangi Atre, Angoori Bhabi in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai says, “It gives me immense pleasure to see how smaller towns in India have led in the drive against the use of plastic and excelled it. Indore and Ujjain both have been setting excellent examples for other cities to follow. Each one of us needs to put in effort towards making India a clean country. I follow the idea to replace plastic with environmentally friendly options like substituting plastic bottles with copper ones and carrying cloth bags when shopping. Additionally, social media has been a great medium to learn. I, too, have picked up various eco-friendly methods from it. One such interesting fact is that to open a plastic packet and just a small snip is enough. The bigger packet gets easily identified and separated when disposed of, but the smaller part goes missing in the bulk of the waste. It causes difficulty when disintegrating the waste. Next time you open milk or a chips packet, remember this learning.” Kamna Pathak, Dabangg Rajesh in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “Being an Indorian, I am immensely proud of what my town Indore has achieved in its effort towards plastic waste management. Indore has ranked number one under the Swach Bharat Abhiyan Scheme consecutively four times. Their determination has reaped visible results, transforming the city entirely and set a perfect example for others to follow. If everyone can, just for one day, choose paper over plastic or carry their cloth or paper bags for grocery and other requirements, it can make a huge difference. Only through such collective efforts changes can be made.”

Sara Khan, Devi Paulomi &TV’s Santoshi Maa Sunaye Vrat Kathayein says, “Plastic waste has been a stubborn cause of concern for many environmentalists. It starts with the smallest household waste item to the big industrial residue; hence every voice and action is essential to take a step towards keeping our planet healthy and safe. Not only the livelihood of those on land is affected by the terrible and careless use of plastic, but our water bodies are crying for help. The aquatic life has suffered the brunt of a manmade disaster, and we must be aware of the hazards and direct our energies towards preserving nature. Bhopal is also known as the land of lakes. The authorities, along with local support, have taken strict measures in safeguarding the water bodies. Bhopal is also a prime example of scenic greenery. Their measures of keeping the city clean and green have given great results. I urge everyone to take a conscious step in this direction for a plastic-free Bharat.”