World Environment Day 2018: UGC Urges Universities and Colleges to Ban Plastic
- UGC has directed colleges and universities to ban the use of plastic items in the premises as an initiative towards the World Environment Day 2018 theme.
- India is globally hosting the UN event this year with a theme of Beat Plastic Pollution.
In a recent directive sent to all higher education institutes and universities of the country, the University Grants Commission has asked them to ban the use of plastic items such as bottles, cups, lunch packets, bags, straws etc. on the campuses.
UGC has sent a letter in this regard after the Union Environment Ministry's advisory which stated that the theme for this year's World Environment Day is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. The global host for the United Nation's largest event this year is India.
The universities have been asked to avoid and ban the use of lunch which is wrapped in disposable plastic packaging, takeaway coffee cups, food service cups, plastic straws, plastic bags, and other containers which are made of polystyrene foam materials etc. Instead, the colleges must encourage the use of refillable things on campus for a better and safer environment.
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Additionally, the colleges have also been directed to conduct activities with an aim to make students aware of the health hazards that can be caused due to the use of plastic. Cleanliness drives should be carried out in municipalities as a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
In the letter, it was also highlighted that since India is hosting the global event, it aims to show commitment towards addressing problems related to all forms of pollution and to reduce its impact while driving efforts that will lead to sustainable development. The HRD Ministry is also of the view that students shall be encouraged to reduce and re-use plastic products and show solidarity in this collaborative effort.
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The World Environment Day is being observed on 5th June 2018. The Environment Ministry is taking keen efforts to stop the use of plastic products while encouraging schools and colleges to contribute to the same. It has also set up a total of 19 teams that will undertake cleanliness drives at beaches, riverfronts and lakes in India.