PM Modi To Launch Mass Movement For Making India Single-Use Plastic Free From 2 October

In a major effort to make India plastic-free, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Sunday (25 August) urged the citizens of India to launch a major mass movement against single-use plastic from 2 October, reports Asian News International (ANI).

The date of 2 October has been chosen as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who was a firm believer in the importance of cleanliness for India and its citizens to thrive.

Making the announcement during his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme, PM Modi said, "When we celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th anniversary, we will not only dedicate him an open-defecation free India, but also be kick-starting a mass movement for making India plastic-free,"

"This time our emphasis must be on plastic. On 15 August, I had urged you from the Red Fort... the way one hundred and 25 crore countrymen ran a campaign for cleanliness with utmost enthusiasm and energy, and toiled tirelessly towards freedom from open defecation; in a similar manner, we have to join hands in curbing single-use plastic," he added.

The Prime Minister said that the countrymen should involve themselves in a mega campaign to ensure cleanliness at public places.

PM Modi also touched upon the issue of malnutrition and said that September will be celebrated as a ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ month across the country.