AGENCIES CHANDIGARH, June 6: Chandigarh, Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the National Green Corps (NGC), and in collaboration with Mission LiFE, observed World Environment Day 2025 with a strong focus on the global theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution'. The initiative was carried out in accordance with directives from the Department of Environment, Chandigarh Administration, and the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC). The celebration was spearheaded by the college's Eco Club 'Parivesh', in coordination with NSS Units, Plastic Free Campus Committee, Viksit Bharat Abhiyan Committee, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) Cell, and the Department of Physical Education. In the lead-up to the World Environment Day, a comprehensive pre-campaign engaged over 550 staff and students through a wide array of outreach and awareness activities. Volunteers from NSS and UBA took to social media, posting geotagged photos and short video clips using hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution, #WED2025, and #MissionLiFE, to promote mindful, eco-friendly lifestyle choices. NSS volunteers engaged with nearby communities, encouraging them to eliminate plastic use and embrace sustainable alternatives. Simultaneously, UBA volunteers conducted an awareness and sensitisation session in the adopted village of Kajheri, Chandigarh, under the theme "Say No to Plastic". Eco Club 'Parivesh' and the Plastic Free Campus Committee hosted a workshop on "Waste Segregation and Plastic Reuse" along with a poster-making activity for school students-instilling the value of responsible waste management from a young age. The Viksit Bharat Abhiyan Committee, in collaboration with Eco Club 'Parivesh', organised a Slogan Writing Competition around the theme "Sustainable Living - Avoid Plastic". An E-Waste Collection Drive, jointly organised by the UBA Cell and Eco Club 'Parivesh', encouraged the campus community to responsibly dispose off electronic waste. A Cycle Rally was held by the Department of Physical Education, NSS Units, and Eco Club 'Parivesh'. Participants raised awareness about the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle through impactful slogans and placards. A documentary titled "The Plastic Problem" was also screened for hostel residents. Tree Hugging Campaign, organised by NSS Units and Eco Club 'Parivesh', encouraged participants to embrace nature-literally. Volunteers hugged trees, chanted slogans like "Toss the Plastic, Hug a Tree" and "The future will be either green or not at all", calling for a deeper commitment to forest conservation and plastic-free living. On World Environment Day, the college community came together for an Oath-Taking Ceremony wherein they pledged to protect the environment, raise awareness, and adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives. Officiating Principal Ms. Neena Sharma lauded the collaborative efforts of all committees and urged students to take proactive steps toward environmental protection. She remarked that the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution Globally" perfectly aligns with MCM's vision of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Emphasising the need for innovative, biodegradable alternatives to plastic, she called for continued commitment and action in the fight against plastic pollution. |