India has kicked off a nationwide campaign titled “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution” on Thursday in the lead-up to World Environment Day 2025, stressing its commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

The United Nations celebrates World Environment Day annually on June 5.

The campaign, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, focuses on eliminating single-use plastic and is closely aligned with India’s flagship Mission Lifestyle for Environment, also referred to LiFE.

The initiative was unveiled with a call from Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, urging citizens to transition from awareness to action by adopting sustainable lifestyles.

Mass Mobilization to Curb Plastic Waste

The campaign is designed to be a people-led movement targeting behavioral change, advocacy, and the development of alternatives to plastic. It includes activities across ministries, state governments, local bodies, educational institutions, industries and community groups.

Key focus areas include:

  • Awareness campaigns on plastic pollution
  • Reduction in the use and generation of single-use plastics
  • Efficient segregation, collection, and recycling of plastic waste
  • Promotion of eco-friendly alternatives

Planned activities range from street plays and public pledges to clean-up drives at beaches and riversides, educational workshops, exhibitions, and social media engagement.

All participating bodies have been urged to document their efforts on the ‘Meri LiFE’ portal to foster nationwide participation.

Udaipur Hosts Biodiversity Day, Reinforces Anti-Plastic Drive

Simultaneously, the Ministry marked the International Day for Biological Diversity in Udaipur, Rajasthan, with a national-level event highlighting India’s rich ecological heritage.

The celebration, in partnership with the National Biodiversity Authority and Rajasthan Forest Department, also served as a precursor to World Environment Day.

The event featured an exhibition on biodiversity and bioresources, showcasing indigenous plant varieties, conservation practices, and sustainable products from 12 State Biodiversity Boards and NGOs.

Speaking at the event, MoEFCC Secretary Tanmay Kumar emphasized India’s role in shaping global biodiversity frameworks and called for unified action under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”

He reiterated the nation’s ethos — “Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita” (Nature protects if she is protected) — as a guiding principle for conservation.

India’s Global Biodiversity Contributions

India has played a leading role in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, having submitted updated national biodiversity targets in 2024 and a revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2024–2030).

Among the key milestones:

  • Expansion of Ramsar-designated wetlands to 89 sites
  • Notification of 49 Biodiversity Heritage Sites
  • Launch of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, resulting in over 1.42 billion plantations since 2024

Additionally, publications released during the event included India’s Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity and educational resources supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Global Day, Local Action

World Environment Day serves as the UN’s principal vehicle for encouraging global environmental awareness and action.

The 2025 theme — “Say No to Single Use Plastic” — resonates with India’s national efforts, as it leverages grassroots movements and global commitments to push for a cleaner, greener future.

The ministry has called upon all citizens to participate actively in the campaign and contribute to the goal of ending plastic pollution, reaffirming India’s leadership in environmental stewardship on both domestic and global fronts.