Introduction

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. In 2025, the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, a pervasive environmental challenge. India, recognizing the detrimental impact of plastic waste on ecosystems and human health, has launched several initiatives to combat this issue.

India’s Commitment to Ending Plastic Pollution

“One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution”

Ahead of World Environment Day 2025, the Indian government initiated the nationwide campaign “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution.” Launched by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, the campaign aims to mobilize citizens, industries, and local bodies to reduce plastic waste. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the importance of transitioning from awareness to action, urging citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles and reduce plastic consumption. The campaign aligns with India’s flagship initiative, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), promoting eco-friendly practices across the nation.

State-Level Initiatives

Maharashtra’s Collaborative Efforts

In Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the MIDC Industries Association (MIA) have collaborated to address plastic pollution in the MIDC Hingna area. A joint meeting held on May 29, 2025, focused on combating illegal plastic and solid waste dumping. Officials from various sectors resolved to identify and restrict dumping zones, increase regulatory oversight, and raise awareness among industries regarding proper waste practices. A cleanliness drive was launched to transform MIDC Hingna into a model industrial zone .

Jharkhand’s Statewide Anti-Plastic Drive

The Jharkhand Biodiversity Board (JBB) initiated a statewide anti-plastic campaign in anticipation of World Environment Day 2025. The campaign involves Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) across 50 panchayats in five districts—Ranchi, Chatra, Palamu, Giridih, and Hazaribag—surveying and cleaning plastic waste hotspots. Plastic waste collected from public spaces, forests, and ecologically sensitive zones is being deposited in designated recycling bins. The drive also includes community involvement through educational programs, street plays, competitions, and rallies .

Maharashtra’s Initiatives in Pune

Maharashtra’s Environment and Climate Change Minister, Pankaja Munde, announced a state initiative aimed at reducing single-use plastic in Pune. The campaign includes collaboration with the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple Trust to introduce a vending machine near the temple where citizens can buy cloth bags for a nominal fee. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide Environment Day campaign calling for the complete elimination of single-use plastic .

Corporate and Community Engagement

Dabur’s Plastic Waste Management Initiative

Dabur, a leading Indian consumer goods company, has committed to collecting, processing, and recycling 35,000 metric tons of post-consumer plastic waste across India for the year 2022-23. The company collaborates with government-registered recycling partners and has collected over 89,000 metric tons of plastic waste since 2017. Dabur’s initiative supports the Plastic Waste Management Rules and promotes community engagement in sustainable practices .

Recykal’s Digital Platform for Waste Management

Recykal, a Hyderabad-based digital technology company, has developed a platform to connect waste collection centers with recyclers. The platform enables the recycling of over 200,000 metric tons of waste across 30 states and union territories in India. Recykal’s initiatives, such as the “Samudra Manthan” program, aim to reduce plastic pollution in oceans by collecting plastic waste within a 10km radius of the coastline and sending it for recycling .

Grassroots Movements and Innovations

World Environment Day 2025: India leads with massive plastic-free campaigns.

In Mumbai’s Dharavi area, a community-led initiative repurposes discarded plastic waste into woven items such as bags, mats, and home décor. This practice, known as plastic weaving, not only addresses plastic pollution but also promotes economic empowerment, especially among women in the community. The initiative has gained recognition both for its environmental impact and for fostering sustainable livelihoods .

Ecobricks in Pune

In Pune, the community group “Pune Ploggers” is creating ecobricks by packing plastic waste into bottles to build structures for underprivileged communities. This innovative approach contributes to waste reduction and provides infrastructure support for those in need. The initiative aligns with sustainable development goals and promotes a circular economy.

Challenges and Future Directions

While India’s efforts to combat plastic pollution are commendable, challenges remain in enforcement, public awareness, and infrastructure. The implementation of plastic bans has faced hurdles due to resource constraints and enforcement issues. Additionally, the informal sector plays a significant role in waste management, and its integration into formal systems is crucial for the success of recycling initiatives .

Moving forward, a holistic approach involving stricter enforcement, public education, and support for innovative solutions is essential to achieve the goal of a plastic-free India. Continued collaboration between government agencies, corporations, communities, and individuals will be pivotal in addressing the plastic pollution crisis.