How is Maharashtra's Environment Minister Pankaja Munde Tackling Single-Use Plastic?

Synopsis
Join the fight against single-use plastic as Maharashtra's Environment Minister Pankaja Munde leads a major campaign on World Environment Day. Discover the initiatives taken to safeguard our planet and how citizens can contribute to this vital cause.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra is taking significant steps to eliminate single-use plastic.
- Public participation is crucial for the success of this initiative.
- A variety of organizations are collaborating to raise awareness and promote eco-friendly practices.
- Efforts include educational activities at various community locations.
- Citizens are encouraged to adopt sustainable alternatives and reduce plastic usage.
Mumbai, June 5 (NationPress) In celebration of World Environment Day on Thursday, a significant initiative aimed at eliminating single-use plastic was launched at Girgaon Chowpatty with the participation of the state’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Pankaja Munde.
The Environment Department has initiated measures to safeguard Mother Earth, and Minister Munde urged the public to refrain from utilizing single-use plastic.
This initiative was collaboratively organized by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at Girgaon Chowpatty. The event was attended by MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam, Member Secretary Dr. Avinash Dhakne, college students, BMC sanitation personnel, and local residents.
Minister Munde and MPCB Chairman Kadam evaluated the cleanliness at Girgaon Chowpatty and reviewed the ongoing maintenance of the area.
They also engaged in cleanup activities alongside sanitation workers.
The Minister mentioned that the Environment and Climate Change Department, along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, has been actively campaigning to rid the state of single-use plastic since May 22.
“It is imperative that we reject single-use plastic entirely. We are exploring methods to repurpose this plastic, and various trusts are participating in this campaign,” she stated.
Public awareness initiatives are being executed at religious sites, hospitals, pharmacies, and additional venues to minimize plastic consumption,” she added.
Efforts to promote tree planting and preservation, reducing plastic usage, conserving water, choosing environmentally friendly options such as solar energy and cycling, and utilizing cloth bags have also been highlighted, according to a government release.
Diverse institutions performed street plays to raise awareness regarding the prohibition of single-use plastic. Participants from the Muktai Solid Waste Management Service Institute and students from Joshi-Bedekar College and other organizations took part in the cleanliness campaign by chanting slogans and clearing litter at the Chowpatty, as stated in the release.