Content:

1. India Leads Global Fight on World Environment Day 2025 with the theme: ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’
2. Campaign intensifies for the Fight to End Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

India Leads Global Fight on World Environment Day 2025 with the theme: ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’

Theme & Vision

• 2025 Theme: “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution”
• PM Modi emphasized India’s cultural ethos of environmental balance and early action on plastic pollution.
• Aimed at a “Whole of Government & Whole of Society” approach.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Key Announcements & Initiatives

• National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal launched:
  • Enables online tracking of plastic waste from collection to disposal.
  • Covers all ULBs and Panchayats—ensuring transparency and accountability.

• National Plastic Pollution Reduction Campaign launched:
  • Targets Tiger Reserves, urban & rural areas under Swachhta Hi Sewa.
  • Special emphasis on curbing single-use plastic in Govt offices.
  • Includes Hackathon, youth engagement activities (poems, skits, slogans).

• National Expo on Eco-Alternatives:
  • 150+ startups, recyclers, local bodies showcased innovations.
  • Dedicated pavilion for Mission LiFE.
  • Student art competition exhibits highlighted.

Publications Released

1. Government Initiatives on Ending Plastic Pollution – showcases multi-stakeholder efforts.
2. Compendium on Eco-Alternatives to Banned SUPs – a directory of eco-friendly options.

Awards & Participation

• 21 winners awarded under Ideas4LiFE across 7 themes.
• 69,000 events, 21 lakh people participated nationwide in pre-campaign month.

Technical Sessions Highlights

1. Local Bodies’ Role:
   1. Shared best practices from urban & rural waste management.
   1. Focus on Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen Phase II).

• Startups & Innovation:
  • Showcased eco-packaging, milk delivery without plastic, and deinking tech.

• EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility):
  • Discussed reuse of rigid plastics, chemical recycling, and Deposit Refund Systems.

Takeaways

• India positioning itself as a global leader in plastic pollution reduction.
• Push towards circular economy via innovation, regulations, and behavioural change.
• Blend of policy, tech, public participation, and inter-governmental cooperation.

Campaign intensifies for the Fight to End Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

Context & Theme

• World Environment Day (June 5) 2025 theme: Ending Plastic Pollution Globally
• Builds on Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) focusing on sustainable urban plastic waste management.
• Campaign duration: June 1–5, 2025, aimed at public awareness, action, and behavioural change.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

Plastic Pollution Challenge

• Plastic constitutes 46% of dry waste in urban India.
• Single-use plastics (SUP) and thin plastic bags banned progressively since 1999 and July 2022 respectively.
• Urbanization exacerbates plastic waste challenges.
• SBM-U 2.0 emphasizes reduction, segregation, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Key Campaign Initiatives

• Plastic Out, Fabric In: Nearly 2,400 kiosks set up in cities distributing over 3 lakh cloth bags via vending machines in high-traffic areas.
• Plastic collection drives conducted at Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) Centres.
• Launch of Swachh Bharat Harit Bharat green pledge encouraging sustainable lifestyle commitments.

City-Level Impactful Actions

• Mira Bhayandar: “Thaila Bank” converts old clothes into reusable cloth bags by SHG women.
• Pimpri Chinchwad: Citywide cycle rallies promoting SUP-free future and green pledges.
• Chhattisgarh: Didi Jhola Bank launched by Gurur Shiv Shakti SHG offering eco-friendly bags at bus stand markets.
• Lucknow: Over 10,000 volunteers participated in Gomti river cleanup.
• Indore: ‘RRR Slum Haat’ distributed essentials from RRR centers and encouraged plastic alternatives among shopkeepers.
• NDMC (Delhi): Hosted Recycle Mela, launched e-carts and wet-cleaning trolleys, promoted plastic-free shops.
• Jamshedpur: Plog Run and cleanup collected 300+ kg plastic waste for processing.
• Raipur: Deputy CM launched Plastic-Free Campaign supporting Swachh Bharat Harit Bharat.
• Anantnag: Ongoing ‘Plastic Bhiksha’ drive with door-to-door SUP collection by sanitation workers.

Overall Takeaways

• Multi-city, multi-stakeholder engagement showcasing collective civic action.
• Strong focus on sustainable alternatives (cloth bags) replacing plastic.
• Emphasis on women’s SHGs empowering eco-friendly solutions.
• Integration of awareness, technology (vending machines), and grassroots activism.
• Reinforcement of Swachh Bharat Mission’s role in driving urban sustainability.
• Wide citizen participation fostering long-term behavioural change.