World Environment Day: Ministers Urge Action Against Plastic Pollution, Call for Sustainable Living

New Delhi – On the occasion of World Environment Day, Union Ministers on Thursday appealed to citizens to combat plastic pollution, adopt sustainable practices, and contribute to a greener and cleaner future by planting more trees.

Observed annually on June 5, this year’s theme — “Beat Plastic Pollution” — underscores the global call to end the plastic crisis.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav shared on social media platform X:
“As we mark #EnvironmentDay today, let’s reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet and ensuring sustainability for all living beings. Always remember—nature protects when protected.”

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi echoed the sentiment, saying:
“On World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment to protect the planet by planting more trees, reducing pollution, conserving resources, and embracing sustainability. Together, our small steps can create a greener, healthier, and more hopeful future for all.”

Each year, an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, microplastics accumulate in soil due to plastic use in agriculture and improper waste disposal, posing environmental and health hazards.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh emphasized India’s commitment to tackling the crisis:
“India reiterates its strong commitment to beat plastic pollution through proactive policies, sustainable practices, and mass awareness. Together, let’s restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and build a greener, cleaner future.”

Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for the Environment Ministry, urged citizens to pledge on this day:
“Let us take a pledge on this Environment Day — stop plastic pollution, live in harmony with nature, and create a greener, cleaner, and safer earth for future generations.”

Highlighting the urgency, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned:
“Plastic pollution is choking our planet — harming ecosystems, health, and the climate. Plastic waste clogs rivers, pollutes oceans, and endangers wildlife. As it breaks down into microplastics, it invades every corner of the Earth — from the peaks of Mount Everest to ocean depths, and even into the human brain and breastmilk.”

Guterres called for an immediate global movement to bring about urgent change.

With inputs from IANS