Green activist embarks on padayatra to Medaram calling for pilgrims to shun plastic products

Green activist Kolipaka Prakash embarks on a 110 km 'padayatra' to discourage plastic use at Medaram Jatara.

Kolipaka Prakash (40), a green activist and a private employee from Kazipet, launched a ‘padayatra’ from Hanamkonda to Medaram on Monday, spanning approximately 110 km, aiming to discourage the pilgrims attending the biennial Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara from using plastic products.

This marks his fourth such endeavour dedicated to environmental conservation. Clad in an attire resembling that of Mahatma Gandhi and wearing a green dhoti, Mr. Prakash aims to spread awareness on the detrimental impact of plastic use.

Expressing concern over the rampant use of plastic products, including water bottles, plates and cups, during the Medaram jatara despite repeated appeals from authorities, Mr. Prakash stressed the grave threat posed by the waste to the forest surrounding the Medaram shrine, situated within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. He plans to cover 25-30 km a day, passing through Mulugu, with the objective of reaching Medaram in four days, distributing informational pamphlets along the way to underscore the importance of avoiding plastic products.

Mr. Prakash, a double postgraduate (MBA and MCJ) from Kakatiya University in Warangal, has been actively engaged in various environmental initiatives, including the Haritha Haram programme in Warangal.

He had earlier organised a padayatra from Hanamkonda to Chevella to protest against the proposed felling of approximately 1,000 banyan trees along the national highway. Additionally, he led another padayatra from Hanamkonda to Khairatabad in Hyderabad, advocating for the use of clay Ganesh idols. Mr. Prakash also runs a voluntary organisation called Medhini, dedicated to promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and initiatives.