World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5 every year to create awareness and motivate people to take action to preserve the environment. Established by the United Nations in 1972, the day has emerged as the largest global platform for outreach activities involving more than 150 countries.
It is the distinct focus each year that gets his attention around an environmental topic. In 2025, the focus should be on “Beat Plastic Pollution”, stressing the urgency of tackling plastic waste and promoting sustainable life practices.
India has been an active participant in celebrating World Environment Day for many years, carrying out numerous initiatives for plastic-waste management.
In this article, we will see the major initiatives of the Indian government concerning plastic pollution and environmental sustainability.
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India’s Global Efforts to Fight Plastic Pollution
To tackle the rising problem of plastic pollution, India has joined hands with the global community by actively taking part in important international efforts. Here are some major steps India has taken on the world stage:
i) Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (2019):
In May 2019, India took part in key environmental meetings held in Geneva. These conventions aim to regulate harmful chemicals and hazardous waste. India strongly opposed the dumping of e-waste in developing countries.
It also played a vital role in adding plastic waste to the Basel Convention’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. This move helps in monitoring plastic waste trade and preventing illegal dumping. India also supported the global ban on single-use plastics.
ii) G20 Osaka Blue Ocean Vision (2019):
As part of the G20 Summit, India joined other countries in supporting the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision. This global plan aims to reduce marine plastic litter and stop plastic waste from entering oceans by 2050. India backed this mission to keep our seas clean and plastic-free.
iii) High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (2021):
In January 2021, India joined this global group during the One Planet Summit in Paris. The goal is to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. The coalition also works to control plastic pollution and conserve biodiversity.
List of Initiatives Taken By Indian Govt. For Environment Day 2025
India has put in place strong laws and policies to fight the growing plastic waste problem. The government is promoting responsible use, better recycling, and proper disposal of plastic.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced several waste management rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. One of the key steps is the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability.
Key Highlights of the 2021 Rules:
- Ban on Single-Use Plastics: From 1st July 2022, several single-use plastic items that are hard to recycle and often littered were banned.
- Ban on Thin Plastic Bags: From 31st December 2022, plastic carry bags thinner than 120 microns were banned to reduce waste.
- Ban on Lightweight Non-Woven Bags: From 30th September 2021, non-woven plastic bags below 60 GSM (grams per square meter) were also banned.
- State-Level Efforts: Apart from national rules, many States and Union Territories have brought in their own bans or restrictions on single-use plastic items and bags.
How India Supports Sustainable Use and Safe Disposal of Plastic
India is working actively to manage plastic waste in a sustainable way. The goal is to reduce pollution, encourage recycling, and support eco-friendly industries.
i) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), 2022
Under the EPR rules, companies that make or sell plastic products are responsible for collecting and recycling the plastic waste they generate. This ensures they don’t just create plastic but also help clean it up.
- As of December 2024, over 50,000 producers, importers, and brand owners are registered on the Centralised EPR Portal.
- 2,840 plastic waste processors are also registered.
- Over 1.03 crore tonnes of plastic waste have been processed through this system.
ii) Safe Food Packaging
The FSSAI’s Packaging Regulations (2018) ensure that plastic used in food packaging is safe and non-toxic. These rules maintain high standards and help avoid contamination by enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices.
India Towards a Sustainable Plastic Economy
India is using science and innovation to build a circular economy—one that recycles plastic, reduces waste, and creates jobs.
i) Key Innovations & Partnerships:
- TDB-DST & APChemi (2025): Agreement signed to produce purified pyrolysis oil for making circular plastics and green chemicals.
- CSIR with DDA & Delhi Municipal Corporations (2019): Project to turn plastic waste into diesel and tiles using Indian technology.
- CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad: Developed a method to turn plastic into fuel oil, monomers, hydrogen, and eco-friendly plasticisers. The technology is shared with five private companies.
- TDB also funded e-waste and battery recycling plants using home-grown technology.
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Research & Technology for a Greener Future
India is investing heavily in science and technology to support eco-friendly solutions and tackle plastic waste.
- CSIR Investment: Over the last three years, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has approved ₹345 crore for 15 innovative projects focused on sustainability.
- Centres of Excellence: The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has set up 18 Centres of Excellence to develop biodegradable, bio-based products and improve plastic recycling technology.
i) Plastic Parks: Eco-Friendly Industry Hubs
Plastic Parks are special zones where plastic-related industries come together to produce, process, and recycle plastic in an organised, eco-friendly way. These parks aim to support clean practices and boost local economies.
- Under the New Scheme of Petrochemicals, the Indian government offers up to 50% of the project cost (max. ₹40 crore) as grant funding.
- 10 Plastic Parks have already been approved across different states to support recycling and innovation in plastic use.
Strengthening Waste Management in Cities & Villages
India is upgrading its waste management systems through the Swachh Bharat Mission in both urban and rural areas, with a strong focus on plastic waste.
i) Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II
- Started on 1st April 2020.
- Focuses on rural plastic waste management.
- Provides up to ₹16 lakh per block to set up Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs).
- Allows cluster-based setups to serve multiple blocks.
ii) Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0
- Launched in October 2021 to create “Garbage Free Cities”.
- Focus on door-to-door collection, waste segregation at source, and scientific disposal.
- Budget of ₹1.41 lakh crore (2021–2026), covering plastic waste control, air quality improvement, and cleanup of old dump sites.
Conclusion
India’s fight against plastic pollution shows its strong commitment to a cleaner, greener future. From banning single-use plastics and promoting recycling to supporting innovation and encouraging public participation, the country is taking bold steps at every level. With continued support from citizens, industries, and the government, India is steadily moving toward a plastic-free, sustainable future.