NGT Chairman calls for collective action to end plastic Pollution

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Chairman of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Justice Prakash Shrivastava urged the citizens across India to take individual and collective responsibility in combating the growing menace of plastic pollution.

Speaking under this year’s global theme, “End Plastic Pollution,” the NGT Chairman highlighted the severe environmental and health threats posed by plastic in all its forms—ranging from single-use items to microplastics that infiltrate food chains and ecosystems.

“Plastic, while convenient, conceals a devastating reality. It chokes marine life, pollutes our water bodies, leaches chemicals into the soil, and releases toxic fumes when burned,” the Chairman stated in his message.

While reiterating the Tribunal’s ongoing efforts through legal directives and environmental oversight, he emphasized that institutional measures alone are not sufficient. True change, he noted, must begin at the grassroots level, with every citizen playing a proactive role.

“The National Green Tribunal stands as a sentinel for environmental protection, but our efforts alone are insufficient without the active participation of every citizen. Today, on this occasion I want to specifically highlight a ubiquitous threat that silently chokes our planet” he wrote.

Highlighting the impact of plastic on human being, Justice Shrivastava said Plastic, in its myriad forms, has become an indispensable part of our lives, yet its convenience masks a devastating reality. From the single-use plastic bags that clog our drains and pollute our water bodies to the microplastics that infiltrate our food chain and even our own bodies, the hazards are undeniable.

“This non- biodegradable menace not only harms marine life, suffocates terrestrial ecosystems, and leaches harmful chemicals into our soil and water, but it also contributes significantly to air pollution when incinerated, releasing toxic fumes. The NGT has consistently emphasized the urgent need to curb plastic pollution, and we continue to pass directives to this effect, but true change begins at the individual level” the letter said.

The Chairman outlined practical steps the public can take to address the crisis:

Refuse single-use plastics and adopt reusable alternatives like cloth bags and steel bottles.

Reduce consumption of plastic-packaged goods.

Reuse plastic items to extend their utility.

Segregate waste at source for efficient recycling.

Support and participate in local recycling drives.

Spread awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic.

“Let us not underestimate the power of collective action,” he added. “Every conscious choice contributes to a larger wave of change.”

In closing, the Chairman urged citizens to pledge themselves as agents of change, working to free the environment from the “insidious grip” of plastic and to secure a greener, more sustainable legacy for future generations.

World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and prompt action for environmental protection. This year, the focus is squarely on the urgent need to phase out plastic pollution—a cause that has garnered growing attention in India and around the world.

To mark the World Environment Day, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) organized a plantation drives at in its premises in New Delhi. The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, NGT, in the august presence of other esteemed members of the Tribunal.

He called upon all citizens to actively participate in preserving the environment by adopting eco-conscious habits in their daily lives. The event was marked by the planting of a variety of indigenous saplings across the Tribunal premises, symbolizing hope and action for a greener future.