UGC asks univs, colleges to ban plastic on campus

ALLAHABAD: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher educational institutions across the country to ban use of plastic cups, lunch packets, straws, bottles and bags on their campuses.

The directive follows a union environment ministry missive conveying that India was the global host of this year’s World Environment Day celebrations, the largest UN-led celebration on environment, on June 5 and the theme for this edition is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

“Through the missive dated May 18, UGC secretary Rajnish Jain has asked vice chancellors to restrict single-use plastic water bottle and encourage use of refillable bottles instead,” PRO of Allahabad University, prof Harsh Kumar.

He said the missive also asks the VCs to ban takeaway coffee cup, lunch wrapped in disposable plastic pack, plastic bags, disposable foodservice cups, plates, and containers made in polystyrene foam and plastic straws.

“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 as part of World Environment Day celebrations,” he added.

Other activities suggested include mini marathon, public awareness through cultural programmes, college/university level afforestation event, exhibition of forests wealth and special programme for differently-abled children among others, Kumar said.

The UGC secretary has explained that hosting this prestigious event was a step towards India’s commitment to undertake global leadership on addressing all forms of pollution.

VCS ARE ASKED TO BAN TAKEAWAY COFFEE CUP, LUNCH WRAPPED IN DISPOSABLE PLASTIC PACKAGES, PLASTIC BAGS, FOODSERVICE CUPS AND PLATES