On the occasion of World Earth Day, launch of ‘Vasundhara Rakshak Abhiyan’ and Maha RPET campaign

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Every citizen should play the role of a ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ for environmental conservation

– Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde

Mumbai, April 22: In the backdrop of increasing pollution, changing climate, and rapid urbanization, State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde appealed that every citizen should come forward as a ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ 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, during a Funtion organized by the State Government’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, Environment Minister Pankaja 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’. The logo of the Vasundhara Rakshak campaign was also unveiled, which was designed by Minister Pankaja Munde herself.
On this occasion, Chairman of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Siddhesh Kadam, Department Secretary Jayshree Bhoj, senior officials from Coca-Cola Company, representatives of various organizations, and students from different colleges were present.

Linking the concept of ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ with motherhood, Minister Pankaja Munde said that Vasundhara is not just the Earth but our mother. Protecting her is everyone’s responsibility. Along with development, industrialization, and globalization, 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 Mavalas 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 stated 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. 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.

Regarding the ‘Maha-RPET’ campaign, Minister Pankaja Munde emphasized recycling plastic waste and urged the adoption of the principles of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink’. Reducing unnecessary packaging, reusing products, and prioritizing 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 sulfur dioxide emissions. If industries adopt a cooperative approach to reduce emissions, it will boost environmental protection.

Vasundhara Rakshak WhatsApp community will effectively spread environmental awareness among youth
– MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam
Chairman Siddhesh Kadam stated that under the leadership of Environment Minister Pankaja Munde, several innovative initiatives are being implemented in the state, beginning with today’s program. 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. Currently, around 100 industries in the state are participating in this platform, and it will be expanded in the future.

He also stated that data and artificial intelligence (AI) will be used for environmental protection in the future. Along with the administration, producers and citizens must also recognize their responsibility and take initiative for environmental conservation.

In her introductory remarks, Secretary Jayshree Bhoj said that World Earth Day is not just about nature but is directly linked to public health, quality of life, sustainable development, and the future of the next generation. This day gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and strengthen our commitment to a greener and more responsible future. The Maha RPET campaign is an important step toward strengthening plastic waste management. Through the ‘Vasundhara Rakshak’ initiative, efforts are being made to connect students, youth, women, and citizens with a sustainable lifestyle.

Referring to this year’s theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet’, she clarified that the true strength of environmental protection lies not just in policies but in the daily decisions of citizens, institutions, and society.

Pankaja Munde and Siddhesh Kadam joined the Vasundhara Rakshak WhatsApp community
Under the Vasundhara Rakshak campaign, a WhatsApp community has been created through which people can participate in the campaign. During the event, through a QR code, Minister Pankaja Munde, MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam, and Secretary Jayshree Bhoj joined the community and announced that they had become Vasundhara Rakshaks. Minister Pankaja Munde also appealed to all citizens to join the campaign through the link and QR code.
The program was anchored by Sanjay Bhuskute, and Director of the Climate Change Cell Abhijit Ghorpade delivered the welcome address.
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