Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Begins Crusade Against Plastics on Independence Day

New Delhi, August 15, 2019:

Addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a crusade against plastics on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day of the country.

During his 90-minute speech, the Prime Minister urged the people to eliminate the use of single use plastic and also suggested shopkeepers to provide eco-friendly bags made of jute and cloth, to its customers.

The Indian Prime Minister also stressed that citizens must buy indigenous products and must strive to make the policy of "Make In India" a success, adding that people in India must use local-made products to encourage the local crafts and artisans.

"Can we think of consuming local products, improving rural economy and the MSME sector?" he said. It is to be mentioned that India's annual plastic consumption is expected to cross 20 million tonnes in 2020.India consumes an estimated 16.5 million tonnes of plastic annually, as per a report. In all, 80 percent of total plastic produced in India is discarded. Capital city New Delhi is the largest contributor to India's 25,940 tonnes of plastic waste every day. On World Environment Day, observed on June 5 each year, India hosted “Beat Plastic Pollution” -- an event in association with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in New Delhi.

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