The appeal by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Sikh clergy to make this year’s Holla Mohalla celebrations plastic-free appeared to have little impact, as heaps of plastic waste were seen scattered across various parts of Anandpur Sahib after the festival concluded.Despite prior announcements and an advisory urging devotees and langar organisers to avoid single-use plastic disposable glasses, plates and carry bags were found strewn along roadsides and open spaces in Anandpur Sahib.Held from February 27 to March 3The festival, held from February 27 to March 3, draws lakhs of devotees to the holy city and nearby Kiratpur Sahib, putting immense pressure on civic infrastructure.Ahead of the celebrations, the PPCB had launched a special drive in collaboration with Sikh clergy to discourage the use of single-use plastics, particularly in roadside langars. The Board had also announced that biodegradable plates and bowls would be provided free of cost to organisers where steel utensils were not feasible.On the plea of PPCB authorities, an advisory was also issued by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, acting Jathedar of Akal Takht and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, urging devotees to adopt environmentally friendly practices in keeping with Sikh teachings of respect for nature.However, on the ground, the situation told a different story.Most of the plastic littering the holy city was left behind by roadside langar. Devotees, after consuming refreshments, were seen discarding the cups along the roads and nearby temporary camps. In several stretches, particularly along entry roads to the town, piles of used plastic glasses and plates were left unattended.Shortage of dustbinsA major factor contributing to the mess was the apparent shortage of dustbins at key locations. With limited waste collection points available, devotees had little option but to throw used disposables on the roadside. Municipal workers were later seen collecting the garbage, but clearing the accumulated waste is expected to take several days.Local residents expressed disappointment, saying the initiative had raised hopes of a cleaner festival this year. “We were happy when we heard that the PPCB and the clergy were joining hands to make Holla Mohalla plastic-free. But on the ground, nothing much changed,” said a shopkeeper near the main bazaar.”Environmental activists believe that while the intent was commendable, stricter enforcement and better logistical planning were needed. Merely issuing appeals, they said, was not enough to counter the convenience and low cost of disposable plastic items, especially during large gatherings involving thousands of people.Although single-use plastic is officially banned in Punjab, its use continues widely during mass events. Holla Mohalla, one of the most significant religious festivals in the state, once again highlighted the gap between policy and practice.The collaboration between religious authorities and environmental regulators was seen as a promising step.However, the outcome suggests that without robust monitoring, adequate infrastructure and active community participation, the vision of a plastic-free Holla Mohalla will remain a distant goal.