Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday urged residents to stop using single-use plastic bags and adopt environmentally friendly alternatives, marking International Plastic Bag Free Day with a call for greater public participation in environmental conservation.
International Plastic Bag Free Day, observed annually on July 3, aims to raise awareness about the environmental and marine impact of single-use plastic bags while promoting sustainable and reusable alternatives to reduce plastic pollution.
In a post on X, Gupta appealed to citizens to make eco-friendly practices a part of their daily lives.
“On International Plastic Bag Free Day, let us take a pledge that is not limited to just today, but becomes a part of our everyday habits,” she said.
“Carry a cloth or jute bag when stepping out of the house, avoid using single-use plastic bags entirely, and contribute to building a clean, green and plastic-free Delhi through your small efforts,” the Chief Minister added.
Earlier in the day, Gupta launched the Green Drive Portal under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, reaffirming the Delhi government’s commitment to planting 70 lakh saplings across the national capital.
Launching the portal, she urged residents to participate in the mass plantation drive to help build a greener, cleaner and healthier Delhi.
The portal allows citizens to book slots for the Mega Plantation Drive, register as an “Environmental Saviour” and reserve free saplings from the nearest government nursery through the Green Drive platform.
Under the ‘Vriksh Rath’ initiative, expert teams from the Forest Department will assist with plantation at homes, educational institutions, residential colonies and other suitable locations by providing free saplings, equipment and technical support.
The plantation campaign will focus on native and long-living tree species, including Peepal, Banyan, Gular, Neem, Arjun and Jamun. The Delhi government also plans to develop 100 Oxygen Parks across the city as part of its green initiatives.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the Green Drive Portal has mapped plantation sites across all 70 Assembly constituencies, enabling citizens to book plantation slots based on their preferred constituency or location.
He added that the campaign is not limited to designated plantation sites and also encourages greening of homes, educational institutions and rooftop gardens wherever feasible.
(With inputs from IANS)
