Initiative Overview
Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with Hindustan Coca‑Cola Beverages (HCCB), Puri Municipal Corporation, Puri District Administration, the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, the State Pollution Control Board and the Odisha Development Management Programme (ODMP), launched the ‘Used PET Bottle‑Free Puri Rath Yatra 2026’ drive under its ‘Maidaan Saaf’ initiative. The drive was conducted over the ten‑day Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, a high‑footfall public gathering in Puri, Odisha.
Volunteer Deployment and Infrastructure
More than 200 volunteers and Safai Sathis were deployed at key locations including Pallishree Mela Ground, Bholanath Vidya Pith, Puri Main Bus Stand, Talabania Temporary Bus Stand, Puri Railway Station, Badasankha, Digabareni Square, Swargadwar and Hotel Shreehari. To facilitate collection, 10 Used PET Bottle Collection Centres and help desks were established across major temple and beach sites, providing on‑ground points for responsible disposal and recycling.
Community Engagement Activities
The campaign incorporated Odia‑language folk performances, nukkad naataks and other awareness activities to engage pilgrims and local residents. In the weeks preceding the Yatra, additional PET bottle collection drives, plogging sessions and community outreach programmes were organised to promote responsible waste management and encourage public participation.
Historical Performance and 2026 Impact
The initiative builds on prior editions that collected 17 metric tonnes of used PET bottles in 2024 and 26.32 metric tonnes in 2025. The 2026 edition further strengthened waste‑management practices, aiming to foster long‑term behaviour change by demonstrating responsible collection and recycling at large public events.
Official Statements
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of Odisha, said, “The Rath Yatra is one of Odisha's most cherished traditions, and keeping Puri clean during this sacred occasion is a responsibility we all share. I am glad to see HCCB and Anandana – The Coca‑Cola India Foundation coming forward for the third consecutive year and working closely with volunteers and local communities to ensure that used PET bottles are responsibly collected and recycled during the Yatra.”
Devyani R L Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Coca‑Cola India and Southwest Asia, added, “At Coca‑Cola India, we believe that meaningful progress is driven through collaboration with communities and local stakeholders. Through Anandana – The Coca‑Cola India Foundation and our Maidaan Saaf campaign, we are pleased to continue supporting the Used PET Bottle‑Free Puri Rath Yatra initiative. By strengthening used PET bottle collection infrastructure and encouraging responsible disposal practices, we hope to contribute towards a cleaner festival experience while supporting Puri's vision for responsible waste management during one of India's largest public gatherings.”
Release Information
The press release was issued on Friday, 31 July 2026 at 10:07:36 by Anandana – The Coca‑Cola India Foundation and distributed via Business Wire India. The disclaimer notes that PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the content.