In a bid to curb plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly alternatives, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Thane, has launched an initiative to install cloth bag vending machines at local markets.

The project aims to encourage sustainable shopping practices by offering affordable cloth bags for Rs 10, making it easier for citizens to transition away from single-use plastic.

The first two machines have been set up at Gavdevi Market in Naupada, marking the beginning of a broader effort to reduce plastic dependency in the city. The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of key officials, including TMC’s Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan and Rotary District 3124 Governor Dinesh Mehta.

Pradhan said that the need to expand the initiative, confirming that the Rotary Club plans to install more vending machines across various markets in Thane. The move aligns with TMC’s sustainability goals and efforts to make eco-friendly alternatives more accessible to the public.

Alongside the vending machine launch, TMC also organised an awareness lecture titled ‘Lakes of Thane’, which focused on the importance of preserving the city's water bodies. The session was part of the ‘Thought Leadership Lecture Series’ and was delivered by Nutan Bandekar, an author and school principal.

Bandekar spoke about the historical and ecological significance of Thane’s lakes, noting that over 60 lakes have been recorded since the Shilahara period, with 42 still in existence today. She spoke about the difference between healthy and deteriorating lakes, highlighting their role in supporting biodiversity and the local ecosystem. Citizens were encouraged to actively monitor and protect these water bodies to ensure their preservation for future generations.

The lecture was scheduled to coincide with Global Forest Day, Global Water Day, and Global Climate Day, reinforcing the need for increased environmental awareness and responsible civic action.