Goa (India), March 1: The Drive against Plastic Pollution campaign, organized by OneEarth Foundation, a leading non-profit organization committed to environmental sustainability, is proud to announce the successful culmination of its recent efforts to address the critical challenge of plastic pollution in Goa.

Commenced on February 1, 2024, the campaign undertook a series of strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness, engaging communities, and implementing practical solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic waste on our ecosystems.

The campaign began with impactful awareness sessions conducted in schools, reaching approximately 900 students and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among the younger generation. On February 15, kayaking and cleanup drives were organized along the coastal regions of North Goa, spanning 100 kilometers from Keri Beach to Colva. Participants meticulously collected 500 kg of waste, identified sources of pollution, and documented findings to raise awareness about the severity of marine plastic pollution.

Reflecting on the campaign’s achievements, Ferdin Sylvester, Co-Founder & Director of OneEarth Foundation, said “True transformation emerges from the synergy of collective action. It is imperative that citizens, governments, and businesses unite with a singular purpose to construct a comprehensive and sustainable framework. Our planet is our shared responsibility, and together, we must preserve its integrity for generations to come.”

In addition to cleanup efforts, the campaign engaged with local fishing communities to raise awareness about ghost nets, a critical issue in Goa’s coastal waters. Collaborative efforts were made to repurpose discarded fishing nets into sustainable products, promoting circularity in plastic use and advancing towards sustainable waste management practices.

Throughout the campaign, 30 workshops, clean-up drives, and awareness sessions were conducted to educate communities and stakeholders about the importance of mitigating plastic pollution and adopting sustainable practices.

Looking ahead, the campaign remains committed to its mission of driving positive change and creating a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Efforts will continue to focus on developing an exhaustive waste database to identify probable sources of pollution and collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective solutions.

About OneEarth Foundation: OneEarth Foundation is a leading non-profit organization with a profound commitment to circularity, climate action, and coastal ecosystem preservation. Their vision is to implement a sustainable circular system through innovation, community building, and local & global cooperation.

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New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the G20 to work on an international legally binding document to end plastic pollution

In a virtual address at the inaugural session of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting in Chennai, Modi said, "I call on the G20 to work constructively to work on an effective international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution." 

He also highlighted responsible management of oceanic resources.

"Responsible use and management of ocean resources is of vital importance. I look forward to the adoption of G20 high-level principles for a sustainable and resilient blue and ocean-based economy," the prime minister said.

PM Modi pointed out that India is one of the top five countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. 

"We have also set a target of attaining net-zero by 2070. We continue to collaborate with our partners through our alliance, including the international solar alliance, CDRI and the leadership group for industry transition. India has consistently been at the forefront of taking action on biodiversity conservation, protection and enrichment," PM Modi informed delegates.

Speaking about the recently launched International Big Cat Alliance for conservation of seven big cats of the planet, the prime minister said that it is based on the learnings of India's Project Tiger.

"As a result of Project Tiger, 70 per cent of the world's tigers are found in India. We are also working on Project Lion and Project Dolphin," PM Modi informed.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken a major step to combat air pollution caused by diesel generator sets in the National Capital Region (NCR). Effective May 15, 2023, the use of diesel generator sets of up to 800 kW capacity will only be permitted in the industrial and commercial sector if they are converted to a dual fuel system, using 70% natural gas and 30% diesel, in areas where gas infrastructure is available.

During periods under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), diesel generator sets equipped with retrofit emission control devices (RECD) that have a minimum PM capturing efficiency of 70% will be permitted for use in the industrial sector, subject to the same dual fuel conversion requirement. The CAQM has recognized the significant impact of uncontrolled diesel generator set use on air quality in the NCR and has taken steps to regulate their use, even during periods outside of the ban under GRAP.

The NCR State Governments and Pollution Control Boards have been directed to enforce these restrictions through consent mechanisms and periodic monitoring. The operation of diesel generator sets during GRAP restrictions is already regulated, as per previous directions issued by the CAQM. This new regulation serves to further strengthen the efforts to maintain and improve air quality in the NCR region.