Gujarat : Over 18 Tons Collected in #BeatPlasticPollution Drive

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – As the world marked World Environment Day 2025, Gujarat launched an aggressive campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution, demonstrating a powerful commitment to environmental stewardship. The Gujarat Environment Management Institute (GEMI), operating under the Department of Forest and Environment, spearheaded a two-week-long, statewide awareness drive that culminated in the collection of a staggering 18,350 kilograms of waste and the engagement of thousands of citizens in a concerted effort against plastic.

From May 22 to June 5, 2025, GEMI orchestrated a multifaceted initiative, focusing on eliminating plastic pollution and fostering sustainable living. “Our goal was not just to clean, but to educate and inspire lasting change,” stated a GEMI spokesperson. “We wanted to show that every individual action, however small, contributes to a larger impact.”

The heart of the campaign lay in its extensive beach clean-up drives. Over 1,640 dedicated volunteers and environmentalists, collaborating with the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Forest Department, local municipalities, Panchayats, NGOs, and industries, descended upon 12 of Gujarat’s most prominent beaches. Locations like Dwarka, Shivrajpur, Umargaon, Dandi, Dumas, Mahuva, Porbandar, and Rawalpir saw immense collective effort. “It was truly inspiring to see so many people come out and dedicate their time,” remarked a volunteer at the Dumas beach cleanup. “You realize the scale of the problem when you see how much plastic washes ashore, but then you also see the power of community in tackling it.” This massive coordinated effort successfully removed over 18,350 kg of plastic and other waste, which was then safely disposed of and recycled.

Beyond physical cleanups, GEMI utilized innovative methods to raise public awareness. A total of 37 ‘Nukkad Nataks’ (street plays) were performed in urban and rural areas across 15 districts, including Aravalli, Rajkot, Bharuch, and Kutch. These engaging performances educated over 4,149 citizens about the imperative of adopting a plastic-free and sustainable lifestyle. “The Nukkad Nataks were very effective,” noted a resident of a rural village in Dahod. “They explain complex issues in a simple way that everyone can understand and relate to.”

Further extending the campaign’s reach, plastic waste collection drives were organized in 10 residential societies in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. Here, more than 450 residents actively participated, collecting over 250 kg of recyclable plastic. As a ‘Green Reward’ for their efforts, citizens were presented with plants and compost in eco-friendly earthen pots, reinforcing the message of sustainability.

Complementing these initiatives, various environmental competitions, including painting contests, workshops, and e-contests for upcycling on environmental protection, were held statewide, drawing widespread participation.