Environment Day Campaign: India

India is actively participating in World Environment Day 2025, observed on June 5, with a series of nationwide campaigns and events centered around the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and encourage community involvement in combating plastic pollution.


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🇮🇳 National Campaigns & Government Initiatives

One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched a nationwide campaign focusing on reducing single-use plastics, promoting sustainable alternatives, and encouraging responsible waste management. This initiative aligns with India's Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and includes community education, behavior change programs, and innovation in sustainable materials.

UNEP's Plastics Literacy Kit
In collaboration with UN agencies, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has introduced the "Plastics Literacy Kit" in India. This resource aims to educate various stakeholders about the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution and provides actionable steps to mitigate its effects.



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🏙️ Regional & Institutional Campaigns

Jharkhand's Anti-Plastic Drive
The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board has initiated a statewide campaign involving Biodiversity Management Committees across 50 panchayats in five districts. Activities include surveying and cleaning plastic waste hotspots, depositing collected waste in designated recycling bins, and conducting educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of single-use plastics.

Tamil Nadu's 'Thooimai Mission'
In Coimbatore district, a mass cleaning drive is set to begin on June 5 across government office premises. This initiative, part of the 'Thooimai Mission', focuses on promoting sustainable waste management and improving cleanliness in government offices.

Railway Initiatives

Sealdah Division, Eastern Railway: Organized activities under the campaign "Beat Plastic Pollution," aiming to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.

Sonepur Division, East Central Railway: Launched an anti-plastic awareness campaign from May 22 to June 5, featuring banners, posters, and street plays at major stations to educate the public and railway staff about plastic pollution.

Nagpur Division, Central Railway: Held a seminar on "Combating Plastic Pollution" at Nagpur Railway Station, distributing cloth bags and promoting eco-friendly alternatives among staff and passengers.

East Coast Railway (ECoR): Initiated a campaign from May 22 to June 5 focusing on creating plastic-free environments across railway stations and trains, emphasizing Indian Railways' commitment to environmental sustainability.


MAHE Bengaluru's Sustainability Event
The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Bengaluru hosted a day-long event dedicated to sustainability and the global fight against plastic pollution, engaging students and faculty in discussions and activities promoting environmental consciousness.
General FAQs

Q1. What is World Environment Day and why is it celebrated?
A: World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated every year on June 5 to raise awareness and encourage global action for environmental protection. It was established by the United Nations in 1972 and is now celebrated in over 150 countries.

Q2. What is the theme for World Environment Day 2025?
A: The theme for 2025 is "Ending Plastic Pollution", focusing on reducing single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and encouraging sustainable alternatives.

Q3. Who organizes World Environment Day?
A: It is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with governments, non-profits, schools, and businesses.


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🇮🇳 India-Specific FAQs

Q4. How is India contributing to World Environment Day 2025?
A: India is running a nationwide campaign under the theme “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution,” involving:

Mass awareness drives

Plastic waste collection campaigns

Education in schools and colleges

Railway and government office cleanups

Events like the World Environment Expo 2025


Q5. Which ministries or bodies are involved in the campaign?
A: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), state governments, Indian Railways, Pollution Control Boards, and municipal corporations are key contributors.

Q6. Are there any school or college programs?
A: Yes, many educational institutions are conducting:

Drawing/poster competitions

Street plays

Essay contests

Clean-up and plantation drives



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🧩 Campaign Activities & Participation

Q7. How can I participate in the campaign?
A: You can:

Join local clean-up drives

Volunteer with NGOs or your local municipality

Reduce plastic use at home

Attend webinars, exhibitions, or seminars

Promote awareness on social media using hashtags like #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

Q8. What kind of plastics are being targeted?
A: Primarily single-use plastics (SUPs) such as plastic bags, straws, wrappers, cups, and cutlery, which are difficult to recycle and often end up polluting land and water bodies.

Q9. What alternatives are encouraged?
A: Eco-friendly options include:

Cloth/jute bags

Stainless steel or glass containers

Paper straws and biodegradable packaging

Compostable cutlery


Q10. What are the penalties for plastic use in India?
A: Many states have imposed fines or bans on SUPs under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2021). Enforcement varies by state.


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🌱 Long-Term Goals

Q11. Will the campaign continue after June 5?
A: Yes. While WED marks a major awareness peak, the campaign is part of India's Mission LiFE and long-term efforts to reduce pollution, promote sustainable living, and meet global climate goals.

Q12. What is Mission LiFE?
A: Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is India’s initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote sustainable individual behavior to protect the planet.