Towards Plastic-Free Villages – Celebrating World Environment Day 2026 programmes under the Amplifying Community Voices (ACV) Project

To celebrate World Environment Day 2026, MUKTI organized a series of awareness programmes under the Amplifying Community Voices (ACV) Project at Dakshin Kashinagar Market, Bishal Lakshmi Market, and Kuyemuri Market. The initiative aimed to promote the vision of plastic-free villages while encouraging greater community participation in environmental conservation and greening efforts.
The programmes were conducted with active support from Local Climate Clubs, Women Leaders, and Farmers’ Groups, bringing together community members, market committee representatives, shopkeepers, students, and local residents. Through a combination of awareness activities and community engagement, the events highlighted the importance of reducing plastic pollution and adopting environmentally responsible practices in everyday life.
Street theatre performances, interactive quizzes, awareness campaigns, and open discussions were organized to help participants understand the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment, public health, and local ecosystems. These activities encouraged community members to reflect on their own practices and explore practical alternatives to single-use plastics.
A special discussion programme on “Plastic-Free Villages and Greening Initiative” was held at the Kuyemuri High School Auditorium. The session was facilitated by Climate Club members Ms. Riya Pandit and Mr. Shrimanta Bera and featured awareness video screenings, discussions on plastic waste management, environmental sustainability, and community-led solutions for creating cleaner and greener villages.
The programme witnessed active participation from Market Committee representatives, teachers, shopkeepers, Swasthya Sanginis, MCDF leaders, adolescents, private tutors, and other community members. Participants shared their experiences and ideas on reducing plastic use, improving waste management practices, and strengthening environmental awareness at the community level.
As part of the greening initiative, fruit and tree saplings were distributed among participants and quiz winners. The saplings served not only as rewards but also as symbols of collective responsibility towards protecting nature and increasing green cover within the villages.
The programmes concluded with a community pledge to work together towards building plastic-free villages and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The enthusiastic participation and positive response from community members reflected a growing commitment to protecting the environment and creating a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for generations to come.
Through initiatives like these, MUKTI continues to strengthen community-led environmental action and empower local residents to become active stewards of sustainable development.