Chandigarh Welfare Trust to start awareness campaigns in markets and Apni mandis on the harmful effects of plastic waste

April 22, 2024 10:51 am

Published by: PreetiMahajan

The Fact News Service

Chandigarh, June 12

The Chandigarh Welfare Trust (CWT) will start public awareness campaigns in Apni Mandis and markets of the city that will engage and educate people on the harmful effects of plastic waste and push for the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” approach.

This was decided during a recently held rally, at Apni Mandi in sector 43, by CWT in association with Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5.

CWT founder, Satnam Singh Sandhu, who is associated with the Environment Society of India (ESI) said that the trust will start public awareness campaigns in mandis and markets that will engage and educate people on plastic waste. We will also provide alternatives to plastic bags like cloth bags and jute bags which will be manufactured under our skill development program for women.

“Waste management remains a critical issue for all of us. About 550 metric tonnes of waste is generated daily in Chandigarh. Amongst the type of waste in Municipal Solid Waste generated in Chandigarh, plastic constitutes around 5% of all the waste. The plastic waster in 2019-20 in Chandigarh was 6746.36 TPA. While the civic bodies are also at work, it also remains our responsibility to reduce the amount of waste we produce for the greater good. Chandigarh has always set an example in every field and we must make it a leader among the clean and green cities,” Satnam Singh Sandhu said while urging people to adopt the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle approach.

He reiterated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi – to cultivate the habit of swapping non-reusable material with sustainable choices which are locally available for use.

Further, he exclaimed, about the approach needed to bring change within the community with the help of sellers and consumers as we all should make eco-conscious choices in our lives to reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

At the rally, all the participating bodies advocated and focused on the theme of ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ to educate the citizens about the harmful effects of plastic as well as the microplastic in the ecosystem.

The event brought together residents from nearby areas and resident welfare associations, students, and environmental enthusiasts to raise awareness about conservation and promote sustainable practices in daily life to make Chandigarh beautiful again.

The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of individuals committed to making a positive impact on the environment and imbibing green shifts in their day-to-day activities.

The rally focused on educating and informing the vegetable and fruit vendors and the younger generation of how harmful is plastic to the Earth as it is a major pollutant in the ecosystem which is nonbiodegradable.

World Environment Day is an internationally recognized occasion that serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to address environmental challenges and work towards a better future.

NK Jhingan, Surinder Verma, and Youth Wing Leader of ESI Rohan Singh, were one of the key speakers for the event who took the pledge to minimize the use of plastic in their day-to-day life and propagate the message in the community.

Satnam Singh Sandhu also expressed the desire for the collaborative efforts of different government, nongovernment, resident, and professional bodies to come together and upgrade the mandi’s while also paying attention to the cleanliness, lack of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities, parking issues among other issues which are faced on the day-to-day basis by the shopkeepers and the buyers.

As the world continues to face pressing environmental challenges, Chandigarh Welfare Trust remains committed to its mission of creating awareness, fostering environmental stewardship, and implementing sustainable initiatives within the community. The organization encourages individuals and communities to take proactive steps in protecting and preserving our environment for future generations.