Modi asks people to shun plastic

Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi, May 27: Citing the adverse effects of plastic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the people not to use things made by using low grade materials.

“I appeal to everyone to understand the importance of this subject. Let us make sure that we don’t use polythene and lower grade plastic as plastic pollution adversely impacts nature, wildlife and even our health,” the Prime Minister said in the 44th edition of his monthly radio programme, “Mann Ki Baat”.

Noting that India will host the global World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, the theme for which will be “Beat Plastic Pollution”, he said it was an important achievement as the country had a growing role in the world towards mitigating climate change.

Modi urged the listeners to visit the website of World Environment Day and to imbibe and inculcate the suggestions given on it.

Noting that in the past few weeks, parts of the country witnessed dust storms, strong winds and unseasonal heavy rains which led to a loss of lives and damaged goods, he said: “Whenever we face a torrid summer, or floods, incessant rains or unbearable cold, everybody becomes an expert, analyzing global warming and climate change. But does empty talk bring about any solutions? “...these sudden changes in weather pattern are a result of change in our lifestyle. Our culture, our traditions have never taught us to be at logger heads with nature.”

The Prime Minister also said that when India speaks of climate justice or unites with the world for the cause, “it is rooted in fulfilling the dream of Mahatma Gandhi”.

“On this Environment Day, let all of us give it a good thought as to what we can do to make our planet cleaner and greener? “The rainy season is fast approaching. We can set a target of achieving record plantation of trees this time and not only plant trees but also nurture and maintain the saplings till they grow,” he added. (IANS)