Citizens and environmental activists unite to mark World Environment Day 2025, promoting a plastic-free future.
WORLD ENVIROMENT DAY 2025 – ENDING GLOBAL PLASTIC POLLUTION
GISTThis year humanity rises to break free from plastic’s grip, this year for all of us marks a turning point, we shall breathe again, in spite of our oceans being drowned in waste. We will be healing our lands once buried under pollution. No more delays; no more measures. 2025 is the year, together we write history towards a nation which is free from plastic. |
OVERVIEW
5th June , 2025 – We observe World Environment Day 2025 , globally focusing on the theme – Ending Global Plastic Pollution. Be the change , ditch the plastic, which focuses on fighting against the plastic waste and plastic consumption.
The initiative regarding break free from plastic taken by The United Nations Environment Programme was a combined initiative with The Republic of Korea as the host. Many individuals, governments with other non-governmental organizations participated.There are negotiations proceeding by the event in the upcoming treaty on global level to end plastic pollution and plastic waste, which highlighted the immediate action which needs to be taken against addressing plastic waste and plastic pollution.
“India gives a special attention to plastic waste management. We are resolute in our efforts to reduce single use plastic and micro-plastic pollution for sustainable development along with a prospering biodiversity.”
~Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
On 5th June, 2025 – We observe and celebrate World Environment Day which aims and focuses on the theme of raising awareness, standing against plastic pollution and aimed at beating plastic pollution. It is our responsibility to save, act and respond against plastic waste, on human health and ecosystems. In order to reduce plastic consumption, inculcating sustainable development practices, reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling. For a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution the event therefore serves as a precursor.
INDIA’S ROLE
- World Environment Day is extremely important. It supports initiatives to combat plastic pollution and India is the one which actively participates in it.
- The support for developing countries in addressing plastic waste was the one which was actually emphasized by India for the need for equitable roles and responsibilities.
- The environmental goals and international obligations that India is committed to in reducing plastic pollution is extremely relevant.
LEGAL ASPECTS
The Sustainable De]velopment Goals and the international environment agreements align with the upcoming treaty on plastic pollution.Measures in terms of supporting plastic pollution are enshrined in the Indian Constitution for protecting the environment. India has worked on many initiatives for more sustainable development practices and by banning the use of certain single- use plastics.
CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS
| ARTICLE | PROVISION | EXPLANATION / CASE LAW |
|---|---|---|
| ARTICLE 21 | RIGHT TO LIFE | INCLUDES THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT (MC MEHTA vs. UNION OF INDIA) |
| ARTICLE 48A | DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY | STATE TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE |
| ARTICLE 51A(G) | FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES | DUTY OF EVERY CITIZEN TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT |
WORLD ENVIROMENT DAY 2025 – ENDING GLOBAL PLASTIC POLLUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
| ACT / RULES | SECTION / RULE | PROVISION |
|---|---|---|
| ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986 | SECTION 3 | CENTRAL GOVERNMENT’S POWERS TO PROTECT AND IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT |
| SECTION 6 | RULE-MAKING POWERS FOR CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BASIS FOR PWM RULES) | |
| SECTION 15 | PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE | |
| PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES (2016, 2021, 2022) | RULE 4 | BAN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS |
| RULE 6 | EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR) FOR PLASTIC PACKAGING | |
| RULE 7 | RESPONSIBILITY OF LOCAL BODIES IN PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT | |
| RULE 9 | GUIDELINES FOR RECYCLING AND REUSE OF PLASTIC | |
| SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016 | — | COVERS LOCAL AUTHORITIES’ ROLES IN MANAGING PLASTIC AND OTHER SOLID WASTE |
| AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981 | — | CONTROLS POLLUTION FROM BURNING PLASTIC WASTE |
| WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1974 | — | PREVENTS PLASTIC-INDUCED WATER POLLUTION |
| FACTORIES ACT, 1948 | SECTIONS 7A & 41B | ENSURES ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY IN INDUSTRIES HANDLING PLASTIC PRODUCTION |
CONCLUSION
Environmental and economic gains have been seen by countries who are actually adopting sustainable practices, while the other countries may face challenges and problems if they are reliant on plastic based industries.There have been differences seen between developed and developing countries regarding resources and responsibilities which are revealed by negotiations.Global treaties can do wonders, in terms of reshaping trade in products that are consumed by plastic and enhance international cooperation on governance which is environmental in nature.The 2025 focuses on the consumption of plastic consumption, the measures which should be taken regarding it in terms of reducing the usage of plastic and shifting towards a sustainable friendly environment.
SOURCE: Press Information Bureau , Government Of India
ALSO READ MORE: World Environment Day , 2025
WRITTEN BY: SNIGDHA
EDITED BY: NANCY SHARMA
