UP Mobilizes 22,000 Schools for World Environment Day Drive to Fight Plastic Pollution

Lucknow, June 2:In a landmark initiative ahead of World Environment Day on June 5, the Uttar Pradesh government has mobilized over 22,000 government schools across all 75 districts to spearhead a massive awareness campaign aimed at combating plastic pollution. The campaign, themed "End Plastic Globally," is being led by the Directorate of Environment and will feature a series of student-centered activities to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.

The flagship event will be held at the Regional Science Centre in Aliganj, Lucknow, where nearly 5,000 students from 30 city schools are expected to gather. The program will include 12 street play performances by school groups illustrating the devastating impact of plastic waste on river ecosystems, expert-led workshops on sustainable alternatives, and a 100-foot collaborative art installation crafted entirely from recycled materials.

Director of Environment Sushant Sharma highlighted the scale and coordination of the campaign, noting that all participating schools will conduct three key activities: a pledge ceremony against single-use plastics, creative competitions, and practical demonstrations of waste segregation. “This initiative is an extension of our ongoing plastic waste management program, under which we’ve collected 1.2 million metric tons of plastic since 2022,” Sharma said.

The campaign also includes a comprehensive inter-school competition for students of Classes 6 to 12, with entries in three categories:

• Poster making using eco-friendly materials

• Three-minute extempore speeches on circular economy solutions

• Model displays showcasing innovative upcycled products

Deputy Director Shruti Shukla stated that winning entries will be featured in a traveling exhibition across all 18 divisional headquarters throughout July, extending the campaign’s reach and impact.

This state-wide educational mobilization reflects Uttar Pradesh’s growing commitment to environmental sustainability and youth engagement, aligning with this year’s World Environment Day focus on plastic pollution, a major global concern.