Introduction: In a commendable effort to combat plastic pollution, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, who is also a United Nations Environment Goodwill Ambassador, took part in a campaign called “Swarnim Himalaya” in the picturesque hill resort of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The initiative, organized by the team “Healing Himalaya” in collaboration with various government bodies, aims to remove plastic waste from the Himalayan region and raise awareness about the importance of responsible waste management.
Dia Mirza’s Support and Call for Civil Society Participation: Dia Mirza emphasized the significance of the “Swarnim Himalaya” campaign, stating that it has the potential to mobilize civil society participation and bring about a change in mindsets. She stressed that while many people believe it is not their responsibility to collect garbage, it should be a shared duty. Mirza also highlighted the campaign’s potential to discourage littering and encourage people to think twice before disposing of plastic anywhere.
Accountability through Extended Producer’s Responsibility: As an advocate for environmental causes, Dia Mirza pointed out that conducting an audit of plastic waste would help in identifying those responsible. The organization, Healing Himalaya, plans to tabulate the waste collected and determine which companies’ packaging and garbage contribute the most. Through the concept of Extended Producer’s Responsibility, Mirza believes that both consumers and producers should be held accountable for their role in plastic waste generation.
Participation and Impact: Expressing her commitment to combatting plastic pollution, Dia Mirza emphasized the collective responsibility we all share in protecting the environment. She finds strength and pride in participating in such campaigns and working alongside organizations like Healing Himalayas. By actively engaging in the healing process, she believes it is possible to bring about positive change.
The Swarnim Himalaya Campaign: Pradeep Sangwan, an organizer and environmentalist, highlighted the extensive efforts being made by the campaign to clean up plastic waste in the Himalayan region. With a focus on popular tourist destinations, the campaign aims to raise awareness and engage people in maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. Over 100,000 volunteers, including 30 village Panchayats and 10 schools, participated in the cleanliness drive in Himachal Pradesh, which aimed to clean an area of just 0.79 square feet per individual.
Addressing Plastic Waste and Producers: Through the Swarnim Himalaya campaign, an audit of the plastic waste is conducted to identify the companies responsible for the maximum garbage in the Himalayas. The collected data will help shed light on the producers’ role in plastic waste generation, facilitating conversations with them for more responsible practices. The campaign has been successful in collecting approximately 5 tons of plastic waste daily in the Himalayan region.
Conclusion: Dia Mirza’s involvement in the Swarnim Himalaya campaign brings attention to the pressing issue of plastic waste in the Himalayas. With the participation of thousands of volunteers and the collaboration of various stakeholders, this initiative strives to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Through campaigns like these and the collective efforts of individuals, we can make a significant impact in combating plastic pollution and protecting our natural heritage.