Latest news with #JuniorRedCross
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Guv launches climate action plan, plastic-free Amaravati campaign
Guntur: Governor and president of the Indian Red Cross Society, Andhra Pradesh Branch S Abdul Nazeer launched the 'AP Climate Action Plan and Amaravati Plastic-Free City Campaign' at Sri Venkateswara Vignana Mandiram here on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, he praised the AP Red Cross for its innovative initiative and commended the active participation of students, Junior Red Cross members, youth, and volunteers. He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts among stakeholders would extend the campaign statewide. Governor Nazeer emphasised the need to raise awareness about the harmful effects of excessive plastic use and to eliminate single-use plastics by adopting sustainable practices to protect the environment for future generations. He noted that India's per capita plastic consumption is 11 kg, generating approximately 3.5 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually. He said plastic waste can degrade soil and groundwater quality due to leaching additives, stabilisers, and fillers. He also referred to the Central government's Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which ban specific single-use plastic items. He further underscored Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change. Nazeer lauded the AP Climate Action Campaign, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva, and urged vice-chancellors of universities to promote the campaign in colleges with active involvement from students and faculty. Later, he led students in a green pledge. Guntur district collector S Nagalakshmi, SP S Satish Kumar, MLAs Galla Madhavi and Naseer Ahmed, AP Red Cross Society chairman Y D Rama Rao, and ex-officio secretary to the Governor Dr M Hari Jawaharlal attended the event.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
A.P. Governor to launch Red Cross's campaign against against single-use plastics in Guntur on August 12
The Indian Red Cross Society, Andhra Pradesh, has launched an ambitious civic initiative to make the state India's first plastic-conscious region, starting with Guntur. Titled the 'War on Single-Use Plastic,' the multi-year campaign will mobilise over 50,000 students from 540 schools as 'Green Warriors' under the Junior Red Cross banner. Speaking to The Hindu, P. Ramachandra Raju, Treasurer of the Andhra Pradesh State Branch and convenor of the campaign, said Governor S. Abdul Nazeer will formally launch the initiative on Tuesday, with 70 schools receiving the first batch of cloth bags on a pilot basis.. Mr. Raju further explained that the initiative is designed to 'combine youth leadership, local partnerships, and a clear operational model to achieve measurable environmental outcomes.' He added that students will be trained to adopt and promote reusable alternatives, instill sustainable habits, and influence behavioural change in their households, schools, and communities. The programme follows a six-step execution model, covering student enrolment, education modules, habit tracking, waste collection, recognition, and review, implemented with support from school coordinators and trained volunteers. Strategic partners include Magsmen Brand Consultants, SayWhat NGO, Atoms Digital Solutions, and Women's College, Guntur, each contributing expertise in messaging, inclusive engagement, digital infrastructure, and on-ground support. The ₹75 lakh annual campaign is entirely funded through CSR contributions and voluntary donations. Mr. Raju expressed confidence that the model could be replicated across districts to build a sustained, State-wide movement against single-use plastics.
