In a step towards a plastic-free environment, actress and social activist Shubhangi Apte has launched India’s first cloth bag ATM at the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Raipur. The initiative, aimed at promoting the use of reusable bags and reducing plastic pollution, was inaugurated recently. The ATM dispenses a reusable cloth bag for 10 rupees coin. Apte, who is the brand ambassador for the ‘No Plastic Campaign’ in Raipur and a cleanliness campaign ambassador for the Raipur Municipal Corporation, chose the temple for the launch, stating that it held immense sentimental value for her, as she had launched her first record exhibition at the same venue.

 

“This is a small step towards a big change,” said Apte. “I have been distributing reusable cloth bags for the past 12 years and this ATM is the next step in that direction. The money collected from the ATM will be donated to the temple and I will continue to provide bags when the stock is exhausted.” Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who has been a constant supporter of Apte’s initiatives graced the event. Other dignitaries present included Ajay Kale, President of the Maharashtra Mandal, and Avinash Ballal, President of the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Many expressed their surprise and delight at the novel concept of a cloth bag ATM. The Maharashtra Mandal and the temple committee were instrumental in making the event a success. With this innovative initiative, Shubhangi Apte says that the cloth bag ATM is expected to inspire similar initiatives across the country and contribute significantly towards a cleaner and greener environment.