Pondicherry University V-C advocates adoption of plastic-free practices across community
P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University has advocated adoption of plastic-free practices in schools, homes, and public events.
In his valedictory address at World Environment Day 2025 celebrations hosted by the Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India and EIACP Centre on Island Biodiversity at Sri Vijaya Puram, Port Blair, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the pivotal role of students and academic institutions in driving long-term environmental change.
Emphasising the hazards that micro-plastics posed to the food chain and the suspected linkage to severe health issues, including cancer, Mr. Prakash Babu urged administrators to strictly enforce ban on plastic bags and promote biodegradable alternatives and citizens to refrain from using single-use plastics. He noted that children often have the power to influence household habits.
The Vice-Chancellor also gave a call for sustained action throughout the year, instead of symbolic events to protect the environment on a single day.
Further, the V-C said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands held the potential to become a national model for responsible tourism. Being relatively less polluted, the islands represent the ideal environment of ecological balance and responsible tourism. He later visited the ZSI museum at Sri Vijaya Puram.
C. Sivaperuman, Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India, Ramakrishna, former ZSI Director, Pallavi Sarkar, Secretary (Agriculture, AH and VS) A and N Islands, Lal Ji Singh, Additional Director, Botanical Survey of India, A and Nicobar Islands, and S. Kannan, Chairperson, School of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai participated.
The dignitaries also distributed certificates to the winners of various competitions on the theme of environment.
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