Seminar on Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day
The Environment Society of India, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Officer EIACP HUB, Punjab, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, organized a seminar on the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” to mark World Environment Day. The event took place in the conference hall of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Shri Hem Satija, Vice President of the Environment Society of India.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of both government and private schools. Among the speakers were Ms. Divinity and Ms. Sneha from Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23, Chandigarh, and Ms. Aanya Jindal, Ms. Roohi Punia, Ms. Jevy Jain, Ms. Taysha Kurera, and Ms. Navika from St. Anne’s Convent School, Sector 32, Chandigarh. The students presented alarming facts about plastic pollution:
Around 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year.
Over 60% (approximately 260 million tonnes) is used for short-lived products.
Of the total plastic waste:
36% is single-use plastic.
Only 9% is recycled.
19% is incinerated, adding to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Nearly 50% ends up in landfills, oceans, or natural environments, where it persists for centuries.
Shri N.K. Jhingan, Secretary, Environment Society of India, presented a video highlighting how single-use plastics are major environmental offenders. He explained how poorly managed plastic waste finds its way into drains, rivers, and ultimately oceans, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Dr. Ranjit Kaur, Programme Officer, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, emphasized the importance of the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—and the potential of transforming waste into valuable resources.
Er. Ankit showcased innovative products created from shredded plastic waste, such as furnace oil, coasters, bricks, carpet materials, and road construction materials, developed by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology
.
Advocate Ajay Jagga, Standing Counsel for the Chandigarh Administration and Member of the Adhivakta Parishad, spoke about the health hazards associated with plastic use. He drew attention to the dangers of microplastics and nanoplastics entering the food chain and contributing to serious health conditions such as dementia and fatty liver disease.
The seminar attracted a large gathering including RTI activist Shri R.K. Garg, President of the 2nd Inning Association, along with his team, members of the general public, NGOs, Environment Society of India members, and parents of the participating students.
During the Q&A session, Shri R.K. Garg raised a critical concern regarding the need to ban all plastic materials used in packaging if the government is truly committed to eradicating plastic from daily life.
Dr. Preetie Kapani, Joint Secretary of the Environment Society of India, compered the programme and also led the gathering in taking a pledge to refrain from using single-use plastics in their daily lives.
In his concluding address, Shri Hem Satija clarified that the goal is not to demonize plastic but to eliminate plastic pollution. He emphasized the importance of proper disposal, segregation, and recycling. He explained that plastics such as HDPE and PET, commonly found in bottles and containers, are recyclable when managed correctly. Even plastic carry bags can be recycled if made from suitable polymers and collected in an uncontaminated manner.
He extended heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, environmentalists, teachers, and students for their active and meaningful participation in this important environmental initiative.
The event concluded with the distribution of Commendation Certificates to all student participants, followed by refreshments for all attendees.
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