A plastic waste collection centre has been set up at the foothills of the Marudhamalai Subramania Swamy Temple as part of efforts to protect the hill area. The facility has been established by the Somayampalayam panchayat at a cost of ₹36 lakh.The centre oversees plastic control in both the hill and foothill areas through about 20 CCTV cameras connected to a monitoring system. Plastic bottles brought by visitors in two-wheelers and four-wheelers are collected at the foothills. Devotees carrying water bottles to the temple are required to pay ₹10, which is refunded when the bottle is returned after the visit.Plastic waste and garbage collected from the hill and foothill areas are cleared regularly using a tractor procured by the panchayat.The facility was inaugurated recently by Additional Collector (Development) Sanket Balwant Waghe in the presence of panchayat representatives, rural development officials, and temple authorities. Published - February 18, 2026 07:29 pm IST