Thu Sep 11 14:37:29 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar is promoting the use of stainless steel utensils as a sustainable alternative to plastic. He launched the “Steel Bank” initiative in the Husnabad Assembly constituency, distributing steel utensil kits to women self-help groups (SHGs) to combat plastic pollution. The initiative is in memory of his father. He also inaugurated a gym and laid the foundation for a dormitory hall at a school, along with other infrastructural improvements in the Karimnagar district.

**News Article:**

**Telangana Minister Pushes Steel Over Plastic in Environmental Push**

**KARIMNAGAR, India – September 11, 2025** – Telangana Transport and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar is urging citizens to ditch plastic food containers, bags, and cups in favor of stainless steel, citing environmental and public health concerns.

Speaking at an event in Akunuru village, Saidapur mandal, the Minister distributed stainless steel utensil kits to members of women self-help groups (SHGs) as part of the “Steel Bank” initiative. This project, launched in the Husnabad Assembly constituency in memory of the Minister’s father, the late Ponnam Sathaiah Goud, aims to encourage the use of steel and combat pervasive plastic pollution.

“We believe this initiative will significantly reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations,” Minister Prabhakar stated.

Karimnagar Collector Pamela Satpathy was present at the event. In addition to the “Steel Bank” distribution, the Minister inaugurated an open gym and laid the foundation stone for a dormitory hall at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Akunuru village. He also inaugurated a new Gram Panchayat office building in Eklaspur village and distributed Steel Bank kits to local women SHGs.

The initiative comes amid growing global awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems and human health. The Telangana government appears to be taking proactive steps to promote sustainable alternatives and reduce the state’s environmental footprint.

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