Make children take plastic pledge, minister tells schools

Union Minister for Environment Dr Harsh Vardhan has written to schools across the country, asking them to implement certain measures as part of the upcoming World Environment Day celebrations on June 5.

In a letter to school principals on April 27, Vardhan has sought that schools proactively work towards saving the environment.

He has sought that school authorities encourage children to minimise the use of plastic. "No plastic items may be used in schools such as water bottles, carry bags, cups, plates and jugs. Children should be encouraged not to bring plastic wrappers to school," reads the letter.

Further, the union minister has asked schools to adopt water bodies, ponds, wetlands, beaches or eco-sensitive areas around the school or college premises and make them plastic-free.

Schools and colleges have also been asked to conduct cleanliness drives in the surrounding areas and declare holidays for environment day and earth day. The minister has said that he will interact with schools and colleges in this regard.

Schools said that they were yet to receive the letter. However, private institutions have lauded the initiative.

Shashi Kumar, general secretary, Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS) said that schools were unaware about such a letter. However, they would await directions in this regard.

"We are among the primary stakeholders when it comes to issues pertaining to the environment. We, at individual school levels, have been taking initiatives to observe the World Environment Day," he said.

While some schools get the surroundings cleaned on the occasion, others spread awareness about the garbage disposal system in the city. This year, the theme for World Environment Day by the United Nations Environment Programme is 'Beat Plastic Pollution.'