Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Pune Temple Cloth Bag Vending Machine Fails to Dispense
A machine designed to give out cloth bags in exchange for coins at a temple is broken.
It was supposed to help people use less plastic, but it's not working.
People put in their coins, but the machine either gives them back or gets stuck.
Temple officials say it may be due to the rain or people not knowing how to use it, but it has not been fixed for 15 days.
This prevents the use of cloth bags, which could reduce plastic waste at the temple.
A cloth bag vending machine at a Pune temple, launched 3 months ago, is non-functional.
The machine was installed to reduce plastic pollution by offering cloth bags for Rs 10.
Devotees and shopkeepers report the machine either returns coins or gets coins stuck.
Temple management attributes issues to improper use and maintenance delays.
The initiative aligns with the government's single-use plastic ban plan.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Environment and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde launched the machine.
- What
- A cloth bag vending machine installed at a Pune temple is non-functional.
- When
- Launched 3 months prior to the reporting, but broken for the last 15 days.
- Where
- Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune, Maharashtra
- Why
- To reduce plastic pollution and support the ban on single-use plastic.
Proponents of the Machine
Opponents of the Machine
Effectiveness
Proponents of the Machine
The machine could reduce plastic use.
Opponents of the Machine
The machine is not functioning.
Usability
Proponents of the Machine
The machine is intended to help.
Opponents of the Machine
The machine's proper use is unknown
- Location
- Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
- Initiative
- Cloth bag vending machine
- Launch Date
- May (World Environment Day)
- Cost per bag
- Rs 10
- Current Status
- Non-functional
- Primary Goal
- Reduce plastic bag usage
- Reported Issue
- Machine malfunctions, coins get stuck.