World Environment Day, observed every year on 5th June, is a day when communities, local bodies, NGOs, and citizens come together for the cause of environmental protection. This year, the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” has inspired a wave of innovative and inclusive events across the country. From the north-eastern hills to the southern coasts, and from the heartland towns to the bustling metros, India is hosting a range of unique activities—most of them free and open to everyone.

Sustainability Conference and Tree Plantation in Mumbai

Mumbai is marking World Environment Day with a special Sustainability Conference at the NSE Auditorium, Bandra Kurla Complex, from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM on 5th June. This event is free and open to all, with on-the-spot registration available at the venue. The conference will bring together environmental experts, business leaders, and concerned citizens to discuss practical solutions to plastic pollution. Interactive sessions will focus on adopting sustainable practices at home and at work, and visitors can explore stalls featuring eco-friendly products and innovations.

In addition, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation is inviting residents to join a city-wide tree plantation drive, with the main event at Parsik Hill, CBD Belapur, starting at 9:00 AM. Participation is free, and saplings of native species will be provided on site. Simultaneous drives will take place in parks and open spaces across Navi Mumbai, making it easy for anyone to join in and contribute to a greener city.

Citywide Plantation and Community Engagement in Delhi

Delhi will celebrate with a citywide plantation drive at various metro stations, residential colonies, and public parks, beginning at 8:00 AM. Everyone is welcome—there is no cost or prior registration required. Saplings, planting materials, and guidance will be provided by volunteers and horticulture experts at each location. The drive aims to involve families, students, office-goers, and senior citizens in making the city greener and more liveable.

Additionally, a full-day environmental awareness event is being held at Le Meridien, Janpath, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This event is open to all and features exhibitions, expert talks, and interactive sessions on plastic pollution and sustainable living. Visitors can meet environmentalists, participate in workshops, and learn practical steps to reduce plastic use in daily life.

Plastic-Free Market Festivals and Eco-Friendly Bag Drives

In Trichy, Tamil Nadu, the “Thunippai Thiruvizhai” or Cloth Bag Festival will transform the Tennur and KK Nagar Uzhavar Sandhai (farmers’ markets) from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM on 5th June. There are no registration fees—shoppers and vendors can join in freely. Volunteers will hand out thousands of reusable cloth bags to replace single-use plastics. Special stalls will teach visitors how to make their own cloth bags, and eco-themed competitions will reward the “Most Eco-Friendly Shopper” with prizes like jute kits and saplings. Local schoolchildren will perform street plays on plastic pollution, making the event lively and educational.

Kamalpur in Tripura is hosting a “Green Bag Launch” at the Nagar Panchayat office from 10:00 AM onwards. This event is open to all, with no entry fee. Residents will receive biodegradable PBAT-based bags, and experts will demonstrate how these bags decompose within six months. The event also features an interactive pledge wall, where participants can commit to avoiding single-use plastics.

Record-Breaking Tree Plantation Drives

Andhra Pradesh is setting ambitious goals with its “One Crore Saplings in One Day” campaign. The main event begins at 8:00 AM at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada, with parallel drives in every district, school, and panchayat. Everyone is welcome—there are no charges or registrations. Saplings of native trees like neem, peepal, mango, and tamarind will be distributed free. Families, students, and local leaders are encouraged to participate, and selfie booths will be available for sharing green moments on social media.

In Rajasthan, the “Vande Ganga Jal Abhiyan” will see communities in Kota and Ajmer revive ancient stepwells and tanks starting at 9:00 AM. Activities include heritage walks, water conservation workshops, and hands-on cleaning sessions. Participation is free, and volunteers are provided with gloves, tools, and refreshments.

Youth Innovation, Science Fairs, and Clean-Ups

Assam’s National Science Centre in Guwahati is organising a Youth Eco-Innovation Fair from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, open to all at no cost. There will be interactive exhibits on plastic alternatives, recycling workshops, and competitions for the best student-designed eco-invention. The youth rally at 11:00 AM will see students march through the city, ending with a street theatre performance on waste management.

In Kerala, the “Green Tech Challenge” at the Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, Thiruvananthapuram, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, is open to all and free. The event features a hackathon for young innovators, a recycled art exhibition, and compost-making workshops. Hackathon winners will receive eco-gadgets and certificates.

Community Clean-Up Marathons and Riverbank Rallies

The Ganga ghats in Varanasi will see the “Namami Gange Clean-Up Marathon” from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Locals, tourists, and students are encouraged to join this free event, with gloves and collection bags provided by organisers. A “Plastic to Art” contest will showcase creative sculptures made from collected waste.

Goa’s “Beach Guardians” event at Miramar Beach runs from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Open to all, this clean-up drive is followed by a sand art workshop using natural materials. The first 200 participants will receive eco-friendly water bottles and certificates.

Digital Campaigns and National Announcements

The PayTM Foundation is launching a “Green Pledge” campaign on its app, free for all users, awarding digital certificates and badges for participation. The Airports Authority of India will broadcast special World Environment Day messages and tips for plastic-free travel at airports nationwide.

How to Join

Most events are open to the public and free of cost. For science fairs and hackathons, on-the-spot registration is available. For plantation drives and clean-ups, simply arrive at the announced time and location; materials are provided by organisers. Digital campaigns can be joined with a click.