Siddipet women craft leaf plates to promote biodegradable alternatives ahead of World Environment Day

District witnesses massive eco-drive as 13,650 women craft over 61,000 biodegradable leaf plates under Panchayat Department’s initiative. Villages turn awareness hubs, promote traditional alternatives and steel banks to reduce plastic dependency across the district

Siddipet: In a unique initiative to promote biodegradable alternatives, the District Panchayat Department on Wednesday mobilised 13,650 women across Siddipet district to make 61,500 eco-friendly plates using Mothuka leaves (Butea monosperma), a day ahead of World Environment Day.

Panchayat secretaries in each village transformed MGNREGS work sites into awareness hubs, guiding women in crafting traditional leaf plates and educating them on the benefits of using biodegradable over plastic tableware to protect soil health.

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Speaking to Telangana Today, District Panchayat Officer Devaki Devi noted that the use of leaf plates had declined even in rural areas due to the widespread availability of plastic alternatives. “We aim to revive the traditional practice not only to safeguard human health from plastic hazards but also to preserve soil quality,” she said.

To further reduce plastic dependency, steel banks have also been established in every village to encourage residents to use steel plates, glasses, and utensils instead of disposable plastic items.