New Delhi: WWF-India’s Programme Centre–Resource Partner (PC-RP), with the support of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has launched a nationwide Green Diwali Campaign from October 20 to November 8, urging citizens to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environmentally friendly festival.
The campaign aligns with the Centre’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and will engage schools, colleges, educational institutions, resident welfare associations and local communities. Special focus will be given to the 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
As part of the initiative, citizens are encouraged to take the Green Diwali Pledge, refrain from bursting firecrackers, motivate family members and neighbours to follow suit, use traditional diyas and energy-efficient lights, avoid single-use plastics, segregate waste and choose locally made products.
Educational institutions and community groups have been urged to organise pledge drives during school assemblies, classroom activities, rallies and community meetings to spread awareness about sustainable celebrations.
The campaign also encourages citizens to participate in WWF-India’s Carbon Footprint Survey to understand how their daily activities and consumption patterns affect their environmental footprint and identify more sustainable habits.
The survey can be accessed at WWF-India Carbon Footprint Survey.
Schools, colleges, EIACP centres, community groups and individuals participating in the campaign have been requested to submit details of their activities through an online reporting form.
Submissions should include the institution or organisation’s name and location, activity details and date, the number of participants who took the pledge, geo-tagged photographs and a brief report. Selected entries may be featured on EIACP websites and social media platforms, according to the Press Information Bureau release.
