Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the people of Odisha to ban single-use plastics during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri. In a video message, Pradhan emphasized the need to avoid using single-use plastics such as glass, polythene, and bottles to prevent environmental pollution.
The Call to Action
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Pradhan has called for a ban on single-use plastics in Puri from June 27 (Rath Yatra) to July 5 (Bahuda Yatra).
- Awareness and Education: The minister has stressed the importance of creating awareness among the public and devotees about the harmful effects of single-use plastics on the environment.
Pollution and Its Impact: The excessive use of single-use plastics has become a major cause of environmental pollution, affecting not only the local environment but also the sea, ponds, and canals.
Impact on Wildlife: Cows, animals, and birds are directly affected by plastic pollution, highlighting the need for immediate action.
- Collective Effort: Pradhan has called for a collective effort to keep the environment of Puri clean and safe, securing the future of the next generation.
- Gandhian Principles: The minister emphasized the importance of cleanliness, environmental protection, and safety of life, echoing the principles of Mahatma Gandhi.