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Business Standard
4 days ago
- General
- Business Standard
World Environment Day 2025: India leads with massive plastic-free campaigns
As the world prepares to mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2025, the spotlight this year falls squarely on one of the planet's most pressing threats – plastic pollution. With plastic waste choking oceans, piling up in landfills, and entering food chains, this year's theme calls for urgent action to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The global campaign aims to unite governments, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to curb plastic use and safeguard the environment for future generations. Ahead of Environment Day 2025, India has launched a nationwide initiative titled "One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution." Environmentalist and social activist Viral Desai, also known as the "Greenman," will start a 7-day tree-planting campaign on June 5 in honour of World Environment Day, and UP has mobilised 22,000 schools to fight "plastic pollution," among other campaigns that have been started before World Environment Day 2025. What is the theme of World Environment Day 2025? The World Environment Day 2025 theme is 'Beat Plastic Pollution', continued with the #BeatPlasticPollution campaign tagline. This theme draws attention to a worldwide issue that still endangers human health, marine life, and ecosystems. The theme urges all parties involved, from citizens and businesses to legislators to cut back on plastic pollution. The theme for Environment Day 2025 encourages eco-friendly substitutes such as biodegradable packaging, reusable containers, and cloth bags. Everyone is urged by the campaign to make thoughtful decisions that will lessen the use of plastic. In anticipation of World Environment Day 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change began a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign on May 23 called "One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution." In a pre-campaign video, Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav urged everyone to embrace sustainable living to eradicate plastic pollution, moving beyond awareness to group action. In an official release, 'This campaign highlights India's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, aligned with India's flagship initiative – Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)". "Tik Tik Plastic" is a powerful environmental awareness campaign that has been introduced in Mumbai. A short film starring Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has been released as part of the promotion. Ahead of the World Environment Day 2025, set to take place on June 5, 2025, the BMC posted the short film on the social media site X (Twitter) on Sunday. Every citizen is urged to take action by the short film and its message, protect the environment, use less plastic, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. With an emphasis on this year's worldwide theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution," East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a comprehensive awareness and action campaign from May 22 to June 5 in honour of World Environment Day 2025. This program highlights Indian Railways' dedication to pollution prevention and environmental sustainability by promoting a plastic-free environment in trains, station premises, and railway stations. • Viral Desai's 'Tree Plantation' campaign In honour of World Environment Day, environmentalist and social activist Viral Desai, also referred to as the "Greenman," will launch a 7-day tree-planting campaign on June 5. The initiative to plant 1,000 trees at Surat and Navsari in Gujarat demonstrates Desai's persistent dedication to urban greening and conservation. The program will increase green space and increase public awareness of residents' ecological responsibility. The initiative is highly strategic, promoting ecological improvement, civic engagement, and climate resilience. • UP organises its education system for a huge environmental awareness campaign 1. The state's Directorate of Environment has mandated all 75 districts to execute student-centred activities under the 2025 theme, "End Plastic Globally." 2. A 100-foot collaborative art piece created from recycled materials, 45-minute expert-led workshops, and 12 street plays performances by school groups are all part of the main event at Lucknow's Regional Science Centre, Aliganj. It is anticipated that 30 schools in Lucknow will send around 5,000 students to the main event. 3. Sushant Sharma, the director of environment, confirmed that 22,000 government schools, state-wise, will have local events simultaneously. Additionally, 147 recognised NGOs are organising community cleanup campaigns at significant bodies of water. During awareness walks facilitated by National Service Scheme volunteers, urban local bodies will distribute 50,000 cloth bags in marketplaces. 4. Using microscopes and interactive displays, environmental experts from Lucknow University will lead special workshops that explain the 100-year degradation cycle of plastic items. For student-led plantation campaigns, the state horticulture department has set aside 25,000 saplings, along with monitoring systems to check the survival rates of the saplings for 6 months after the event. To commemorate World Environment Day 2025 and promote the 'Fit India Movement', the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K planned many exciting events in several UT districts. 132 people participated in Ramban's cyclothon, and Rajouri's Sundays on Cycle for all zones promoted eco-friendly transportation.
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Forest department prepares plan for new urban forest in Tiruchy
TIRUCHY: As part of the project to develop an urban forest spanning about 50 acres near the Butterfly Park, the forest department in Tiruchy is preparing a detailed project report (DPR), detailing fund requirements for further phases of work, for submission to the Union government. Commencing work on the urban forest early this month with the initial allocation of Rs 2 crore by the Union government, the forest department has fenced the site and is now undertaking cleaning operations there. The project under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's 'Nagar Van Yojana' involves large-scale tree plantation so as to create green spaces in the city and improve its air quality. While offering financial support for both the development and maintenance of such green spaces, the initiative also promotes community involvement. According to a senior forest department official, the DPR that is being prepared will include a comprehensive outline of the project's scope, objectives, design, and implementation strategy. It will also cover land assessment, water and soil analysis, selection of tree species, and a layout plan for planting, the official added. District Forest Officer (DFO) S Krithiga told TNIE that fencing has already been installed around the site and added that initial cleaning operations are under way. "After enclosing the area with fencing, we commenced the clearance of thorny vegetation. We plan to plant species that are well-suited for local conditions and that enhance biodiversity, including fruit-bearing and medicinal plants to attract birds and butterflies. The project will be carried out with the support of like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating a greener city," she said.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
How Kolkata improved its air quality within 6 years
(Written By Adrija Datta) Over a span of six years, Kolkata has demonstrated a remarkable turnaround in its air quality, transforming from one of the most polluted cities in the country in 2019 to being nationally recognised for its improved environmental standards in 2025. This progress has earned the city the third-highest performance-based incentive from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. In 2019, Kolkata was listed among the Top 10 most polluted cities by the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). At the time, the city's annual average PM10 level was recorded at 100 micrograms per cubic meter. Additionally, the annual average AQI at the Fort William green zone automated air monitoring station reached 343 in 2019 –categorised as 'very poor'. In contrast, in May 2025, the PM10 level ranges between 47 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter, and the AQI stands at a significantly improved 73. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a post on her X handle, congratulated the citizens and agencies of Kolkata for their collective efforts. 'Kolkata again shows the way! Grateful to the people of Kolkata for their support. Let's all – citizens and agencies alike – keep up the effort for a cleaner, greener city!' she wrote. Mayor Firhad Hakim echoed this sentiment while outlining the initiatives taken by the state government to address the pollution crisis. According to his X post, a multi-pronged approach was implemented to achieve these results. Measures included stringent and immediate actions for solid waste management, deployment of water sprinklers and mist cannons, mandatory use of scaffolding nets at construction sites, and the phasing out of older vehicles in favour of electric alternatives by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the State Transport Department. Other steps included the commitment to plant one crore saplings, installation of a dedicated construction and demolition waste processing plant, and continuous surveillance over polluting industries within the city. As part of the Central Government's urban air quality initiative, a total grant of Rs 21.02 crore was released to West Bengal in May. Of this, Rs 15.78 crore was allocated to Kolkata, while Asansol received Rs 5.24 crore. 'We left no stone unturned to improve the AQI of Kolkata,' Mayor Hakim stated. 'However, the battle is still on, and I appeal to all the citizens to come forward. It is not only a mission of the Government but also of all the citizens of Kolkata,' he added. (Adrija Datta is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Orphaned tiger cubs thrive in first state rewilding project
1 2 3 Jaipur: Two orphaned tiger cubs relocated from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve are now thriving in the wild under the state's first rewilding project , on the verge of delivering successful results. Raised under expert supervision and released into monitored enclosures, the sub-adult tigers are showing strong signs of adapting to their natural habitats. Following approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the forest department undertook the project to raise and release the orphaned cubs back into the wild.A forest official said the department rescued the cubs after their mother, Tigress T-114, died in Ranthambhore in Nov 2022. At the time, they were just two and a half months old. Officials brought them to Abheda Biological Park in Feb 2022, where they nurtured them for 22 months. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor In Dec 2024, they released the female into Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and the male into Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve, placing both into five-hectare enclosures within these tiger reserves. The tigress, designated MT-7, successfully made over 30 kills, while the male tiger in Ramgarh hunted 35 animals. As per rewilding protocols, both tigers will be considered for hard release into the open forest once they cross the benchmark of 50 kills.A senior official said, "This will be the first rewilding project of tiger cubs in the state. The cubs are nearly 25 months old and will be released as per protocol."The forest department has prior experience with orphaned cubs, although officials raised those animals in the wild rather than in captivity. A committee member recalled, "Both Tigresses T-15 and T-5 in Ranthambhore left behind two cubs each after their deaths. The forest department successfully raised them in the wild with enhanced monitoring. However, this project presents the new challenge of determining the right time to release these cubs from captivity into the complete wild."Experts note that a cub is considered a sub-adult after 18 months of age, and under natural conditions, cubs separate from their mother between 18 and 22 months. A source said, "Though they should be released by now, we are waiting for a few more kills. The process was a bit delayed in releasing them from the biological park to the tiger reserve." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ministry tells parliamentary panel of Namami Gange successes, gaps in waste management
The Namami Gange programme has led to the entire stretch of the Ganga, except two areas in Uttar Pradesh, meeting bathing water standards on three criteria, with no incidence of fish mortality reported in the river's main stem since 2017, an official report has said. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a note on water pollution to a parliamentary committee, has also highlighted a considerable gap in the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) -- a comprehensive policy aimed at disposal of various kinds of waste, obligations and the target achieved. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India much better equipped to target cross-border terror since Balakot India conducts maiden flight-trials of stratospheric airship platform Pakistan shuts ports for Indian ships after New Delhi bans imports from Islamabad Amid a push for the adoption of green vehicles , the communication noted that the nationwide EPR obligation for battery waste stood at more than 3.35 lakh metric tonnes but the target could be achieved only for 53,755 metric tonnes. The ministry has submitted the information to the Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wife won't let go of dog, husband finds out why and calls police - watch! Happy in Shape Undo Similarly, the EPR obligation for plastic waste was for more than 34 lakh metric tonnes but the target could be achieved for around 19 lakh metric tonnes. The situation was, however, better in e-waste as the corresponding nationwide figures for it stood at more than 2.75 lakh metric tonnes and over 2.54 lakh metric tonnes. Live Events In the category of tyre waste, the respective figures were nearly 20.35 metric lakh tonnes and around 17.32 metric lakh tonnes. In its comments on the Namami Gange programme, launched by the Narendra Modi government for conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga, the note said its waters passed the pH, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand criteria for bathing except in the stretches between Farrukhabad and Purana Rajapur in Kanpur, and Mirzapur to Tarighat. It said no incidence of coloured water discharge and fish mortality in the river's main stem had been reported since 2017. The programme has also led to the saving of about 719 MLD (megalitres per day) of groundwater, annual energy conservation of 1,277 megawatts and reduction in carbon footprint, it added.
