Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Amid increasing pollution, changing climate, and rapid urbanisation, Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde on Wednesday appealed that every citizen should come forward as a ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ (Protector of the Earth or Guardian of the Land) for environmental conservation.
She expressed her resolve to make the concept of ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ not just an initiative but a mass movement.
On the occasion of World Earth Day, Minister Munde launched the ‘Vasundhara Rakshak Abhiyan 2026’, ‘Maha-RPET Campaign’, unveiled the website of the State Climate Action Cell, and inaugurated the ‘Emission Trading Scheme Training’.
Linking the concept of ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ with motherhood, Minister Munde said that “Vasundhara is not just the Earth but our mother. Protecting her is everyone’s responsibility. Along with development, industrialisation, and globalisation, pollution is also increasing. Therefore, concrete steps must be taken for environmental protection while adopting a path of balanced development”.
“Through the ‘Vasundhara Rakshak Abhiyan’, ‘Vasundhara Warriors’ will be created across the state, inspired by the Mavlas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This movement should reach every village and ward. These protectors will fight against pollution.”
She also appealed that every citizen should contribute by planting trees, segregating waste, and reducing plastic use.
She said that the severity of pollution is not felt unless its effects are directly seen.
Observing its impact on public health makes the need for change more evident, Minister Munde added.
“To help today’s generation understand environmental changes, information and data based on the concept of ‘Past-Present-Future’ will be provided.”
“Today’s generation is technologically advanced, but environmental awareness is equally important. It is our responsibility to pass on clean air and water — not just wealth — to the next generation,” she said.
Regarding the ‘Maha-RPET’ campaign, Minister Munde emphasised recycling plastic waste and urged the adoption of the principles of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink’.
“Reducing unnecessary packaging, reusing products, and prioritising recycling are the needs of the time. The concept of collecting plastic bottles and ensuring their reuse by manufacturers is environmentally friendly and economically beneficial.”
She also noted that Maharashtra is the first state in the country to implement such an initiative.
Speaking about the Emission Trading Scheme for industrial pollution control, Minister Munde said that, like carbon trading, this scheme is important for controlling sulphur dioxide emissions.
“If industries adopt a cooperative approach to reduce emissions, it will boost environmental protection.”
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said that initiatives like the ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ WhatsApp community will effectively reach, especially the youth, with environmental messages.
Under the ‘Maha-RPET’ policy, it is an important step for producers to take responsibility for recycling the plastic they generate.
He added that this initiative is unique not only in the country but also globally.
He expressed pride that the country’s first sulfur dioxide emission trading scheme is being launched in Maharashtra.
At present, around 100 industries in the state are participating in this platform, and it will be expanded in the future.
He also said that data and artificial intelligence (AI) will be used for environmental protection in the future.
“Along with the administration, producers and citizens must also recognise their responsibility and take initiative for environmental conservation.”
–IANS
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