New Delhi, Aug. 15 -- In a significant move towards an eco-friendly environment, Karnataka's Religious Endowment (Muzrai) Department has strictly prohibited the use of plastic from today. The ban covers every form of plastic within the jurisdiction of the Muzrai Department, which oversees more than 34,000 temples across Karnataka including capital Bengaluru.

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The decision, announced by Revenue and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, will impose strict penalties and even criminal charges on anyone found violating the rule. Officials have also been instructed to maintain clean, plastic-free surroundings inside temple complexes. Enforcement teams ...