New Delhi [India], May 22– In the lead-up to World Environment Day, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday announced the launch of a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign titled ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’.
Taking to social media platform X, the minister shared that the campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aims to encourage citizens to shift towards eco-friendly alternatives, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
“In the run-up to #WorldEnvironmentDay, @moefcc has launched a nationwide mass mobilisation campaign against plastic pollution today. The campaign ‘One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution’ aims to nudge citizens to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as envisioned by PM Shri @narendramodi ji under Mission LiFE,” Yadav wrote.
“Let’s move from awareness to action collectively by embracing sustainable living and #EndPlasticPollution,” he added.
Focus on Aravalli Landscape Restoration
Yadav also highlighted the recent national-level workshop on the restoration of the Aravalli landscape, held in Udaipur on May 21, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Forest Department. The event marked International Day for Biodiversity and was attended by Rajasthan’s Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma.
The workshop focused on finalising a Detailed Action Plan for the revival of the Aravalli mountain range, which is one of India’s oldest mountain systems. The Union Minister stressed the importance of integrating field-level feedback and practical insights before the official rollout.
Vision for the Aravalli Green Wall Project
Yadav reiterated that the Aravalli Green Wall Project, launched by PM Modi on World Environment Day last year from Delhi’s Buddha Jayanti Park, will be key to improving the region’s biodiversity, green cover, water resources, and climate resilience. The initiative also aims to boost soil fertility and provide livelihoods through activities like afforestation, reforestation, and restoration of water bodies.
Community Involvement and Innovation
Calling for a ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach, the minister urged stakeholders from the four Aravalli states to engage in innovative and inclusive efforts. He proposed a range of initiatives, including:
- Establishing seedling nurseries in every panchayat using MNREGA and CAMPA funds.
- Involving MY Bharat youth volunteers in eco-restoration.
- Implementing the Green Credit Programme for restoration work.
- Restoring abandoned mines and using water-filled pits as wildlife habitats.
- Creating safaris, nature parks, and trekking routes in the Aravallis.
- Eradicating invasive species and replanting native flora and bamboo.
- Engaging eco-clubs, Eco-Task Forces, and educational institutions.
- Linking Amrit Sarovars and local water bodies to the restoration strategy.
- Forming a dedicated research and monitoring vertical through NIRANTAR institutions like BSI and ZSI.
Yadav concluded by emphasising the importance of public awareness, participation, and science-backed monitoring to ensure the success of both the anti-plastic campaign and the Aravalli restoration project.