UGC directs universities to ban plastic cups, bottles on campus
What's the story
The UGC has directed all varsities and higher educational institutions to ban the use of plastic cups, lunch packets, straws, bottles, and bags on their campuses.
The directive by the commission comes after the Union Environment Ministry issued an advisory, saying India is the global host of this year's World Environment Day celebrations.
The theme for this edition is "Beat Plastic Pollution".
Here's more.
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Encourage students to use of refillable water bottles, says UGC
"Ban take-away coffee cups, lunch wrapped in disposable plastic packaging, plastic bags, disposable food service cups, plates, containers made in polystyrene foam and plastic straws. Restrict single-use plastic water bottle and encourage the use of refillable-bottles instead," UGC said in a communication to all Vice-Chancellors.
Details
UGC asked varsities to conduct networking activities on cleanliness drives
The commission has also asked varsities to conduct networking activities on mass awareness on disposal of plastic and cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Mission in municipalities.
"This is an opportunity for collective efforts to reduce the use of plastic and the HRD Ministry has desired that the students be encouraged to refuse, reduce, and re-use plastic product in their daily-uses," the letter said.
Information
Environment Ministry also asks schools to ban plastic
In the run-up to World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, the Environment Ministry has also asked schools to stop the use of plastics in their premises and constituted 19 teams to undertake cleaning of 24 beaches, polluted riverfronts, and lakes across the country.