Overview

• From August 11, all plastic items—including baskets, water containers, wrappers and polythene packaging—are banned from entry across Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
• Temple Trust CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra announced the phased implementation today following a December 2024 decision to curb pollution and promote sustainability.
• Enforcement is overseen by temple administration working with Varanasi municipal bodies, supported by volunteer teams and checkpoints at key gates.
• A month-long Shravan awareness campaign beginning July 12 preceded the ban and saw distribution of bamboo baskets and metal pots to vendors and prasad shops.
• Devotees and local shopkeepers have praised the move and committed to switching to paper, bamboo and steel alternatives.