Lucknow group marks Bada Mangal with green drive

Lucknow: A Lucknow-based social organisation pushed for environmental protection on Tuesday by distributing over 45,000 eco-friendly green leaf plates and 5,000 saplings across the city, using the Bada Mangal festivities to promote sustainable practices.

The drive was led by Panchtatva, an organisation headed by environmental activist Shipra Pathak. Starting early on May 12, volunteers fanned out in vehicles to hand out leaf plates and saplings at Bhandaras, free community meals held to mark Bada Mangal.

The initiative aimed at safeguarding natural resources, preventing pollution, and restoring the ecosystem while sensitizing residents to sustainable development.

The green campaign drew attention across the capital as volunteers replaced single-use plastic and thermocol plates with biodegradable leaf plates at several community feasts. Alongside, saplings were given to devotees and organizers to encourage tree planting.

Pathak said the effort links cultural occasions with environmental action: “Festivals bring people together. If we can make them green, the message travels far.”