In his monthly radio address, Prime Minister says a new revolution against plastic must start from Oct 2
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated to ban single-use plastics in his monthly radio address on Sunday. He pitched for launching a “new mass movement” against single-use plastic from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
“When we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th anniversary, we will not only dedicate him an open-defecation free India but also be kick-starting a mass movement for making India plastic-free. I appeal to all to celebrate this year’s Gandhi Jayanti by freeing Mother India of plastic,” he said.
On the theme of sustainability, PM Modi, in his Independence Day speech, had urged people to avoid using plastic bags and rid themselves of the habit of using single-use bags by 2 October. He had also urged startups, technicians and entrepreneurs to look at innovative ways to recycle plastic.
“This time our emphasis must be on plastic. On 15th August, I had urged you from the Red Fort... the way one hundred and 25 crore countrymen ran a campaign for cleanliness with utmost enthusiasm and energy, and toiled tirelessly towards freedom from open defecation; in a similar manner, we have to join hands in curbing single-use plastic,” he added.
The Prime Minister also stressed upon the need to maintain cleanliness at public places as a part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. “Home or the neighbourhood lane, street circles, crossings, or drains, schools and colleges ... we have to involve ourselves in a mega campaign of ensuring cleanliness at public places.”
On World Environment Day last year, the government had announced its intention to phase out single-use plastic like straws and cups by 2022.
Meanwhile, the PM’s call to shun single-use plastic has found favour with even the industry concerned. B Thiagarajan, managing director, Blue Star Ltd, said reducing the usage of single-use plastic is very necessary as there is already, and will be having increased pressure on the environment going forward. “Several steps will have to be taken in order to significantly reduce its usage. To start with, having uniform rules across the state is a must. Secondly, the companies/ industry will have to put together a recycling mechanism to ensure its implementation at the ground level,” he said. “Similarly the multi-use aspect associated with plastics also needs to be looked into seriously. Alternate materials will have to come into play for not only the companies but also the common citizens to completely eradicate single-use plastic,” he added.
This was PM Modi’s third radio address since he took oath as prime minister for the second term. Besides, plastic-free India and cleanliness drive, the Prime Minister said that the government would launch the ‘Fit India’ movement on August 29.
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