In a major eco-awareness campaign the Forest Department, along with the Coimbatore Wildlife Conservation Trust and Rotaract Club of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, conducted a drive at the Maruthamalai Subramaniaswamy temple on Sunday urging devotees to avoid single-use plastics.
Timed with the Aadi Krithigai festival, which drew heavy footfall, the initiative aimed to protect the hill temple nestled within a reserve forest. Volunteers formed a human slogan saying “avoid plastic” on the ghat road and placed checkpoints where devotees exchanged plastic bags for newspapers to carry offerings like coconuts and garlands.
Those bringing cloth bags were encouraged and appreciated for their eco-friendly effort. The volunteers also cleaned the 800 temple steps and the 2.5 km ghat road, collecting over 200 kg of plastic waste.
Officials said the campaign was especially crucial after recent reports and videos showed an ailing elephant feeding on waste in the area. Organisers hope this drive sets an example for plastic-free religious tourism in the region.