Tezpur, May 23, 2025 (Friday): Students, teachers, and environmental officials united at Tezpur Academy Higher Secondary School today to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: global plastic pollution. The awareness program, organized by the Pollution Control Board Regional Laboratory cum Office Tezpur, marks a significant step in the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change’s pre-campaign activities leading up to World Environment Day.
The event brought together students from classes 7 to 12, educators, and officials from the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), creating a collaborative platform to discuss the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution.” The program focused on educating young minds about the far-reaching consequences of plastic waste and empowering them to become agents of environmental change.
Speakers at the program drew attention to the often-overlooked dangers of microplastics, tiny plastic particles that have infiltrated ecosystems worldwide. These microscopic pollutants, formed through the breakdown of larger plastic items, now contaminate water sources, food chains, and even the air we breathe. The presentation highlighted how microplastics pose serious risks to both environmental health and human well-being, affecting marine life, agricultural systems, and potentially contributing to various health issues in humans.
The discussion also centered on single-use plastics (SUPs), which contribute significantly to the global plastic crisis. From disposable bags and bottles to food packaging and straws, these convenience items persist in the environment for hundreds of years, creating lasting damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
The program’s core message resonated strongly with the student audience: young people have the power to drive meaningful environmental change. Speakers emphasized that students can lead by example in their communities by making conscious choices to reject single-use plastics and advocate for sustainable alternatives.
This awareness initiative represents part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to build environmental consciousness ahead of World Environment Day.
As the program concluded, participants were reminded that addressing plastic pollution requires collective action and sustained commitment. The initiative at Tezpur Academy Higher Secondary School serves as a model for how educational institutions can play a crucial role in environmental education and activism.
