The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 5, 2025
Reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future, India marked World Environment Day 2025 with a grand celebration at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under the unifying theme, “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution.” Organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event drew participation from top government officials, industry leaders, students, civil society, and representatives from across the country, echoing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a special video message, emphasized that environmental consciousness is deeply rooted in Indian culture and traditions. He highlighted that India began addressing plastic pollution well before it became a global priority, showcasing the nation’s proactive stance on environmental challenges.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, in his keynote address, called for urgent action against the threats posed by plastic waste and vehicular emissions. Stressing the importance of electric buses for combating Delhi’s air pollution and the need for a joint effort to clean the Yamuna, he urged citizens to avoid single-use plastics and adopt recycling and reuse technologies. He reiterated the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines in promoting a circular economy and reducing reliance on virgin resources through innovations and sustainable business models.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted the city’s environmental progress over the last three years, especially the rise in green cover and efforts toward restoring the Aravalli ecosystem. Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta called for collective behavioral change and the deployment of innovative technologies to tackle the plastic menace. She underlined the significance of community participation and policy support in driving sustainable change.
The event featured the launch of two critical publications: one on Government Initiatives for Ending Plastic Pollution and another compendium on eco-alternatives to banned single-use plastics. Both serve as vital resources to guide stakeholders toward sustainable practices and highlight the collaborative progress made so far.
In a major step towards digitizing plastic waste management, the National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal was launched, enabling transparent, real-time tracking from waste collection to disposal. This digital tool is set to empower Urban Local Bodies and District Panchayats with actionable data, enhancing the planning and execution of plastic waste strategies nationwide.
Awards were presented to 21 winners of the “Ideas4LiFE” initiative, recognizing innovative contributions across seven sustainability themes. The prelude to the day saw over 69,000 environment-focused events across the nation, engaging more than 21 lakh participants and building momentum toward plastic-free living.
Further amplifying the campaign, the government launched a National Plastic Pollution Reduction Campaign, featuring targeted interventions in Tiger Reserves and rural and urban areas under the Swachhta Hi Sewa programme. Special attention will be given to eliminating single-use plastics in government offices through the upcoming Special Campaign 5.0. Youth engagement remains a cornerstone of the effort, with hackathons and creative competitions encouraging new ideas and cultural expressions in the fight against plastic pollution.
A National Expo on eco-alternatives to single-use plastics showcased cutting-edge innovations from 150 startups, recyclers, and local bodies. The Expo also featured a dedicated pavilion for Mission LiFE and an exhibition of student artwork organized by the National Museum of Natural History.
Complementing the main event were three technical sessions focusing on the perspectives of local bodies, the promotion of startups in eco-alternatives, and the future of EPR in plastic packaging. The discussions provided valuable insights into emerging technologies such as plastic-free milk delivery systems, chemical recycling methods, and reuse models for rigid packaging, reaffirming India’s role as a global leader in environmental stewardship.
With determined leadership, inclusive participation, and bold innovation, India’s World Environment Day 2025 celebration was not only a national milestone but a clarion call to the world — uniting the country under one mission to end plastic pollution and secure a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
