- Agra is synonymous with the beauty of the Taj Mahal and plays an important role in India’s history.
- Among commitments made include: making areas around the Taj Mahal up to a limit of 500 metres around the monument litter free.
- Further pledges to make the peripheries of 100 historic monuments in India free from plastic pollution.
Agra, India, 3 June 2018 – India most awe-inspiring landmark, the Taj Mahal, along with 100 other monuments is set to go litter-free after an unprecedented pledge by India’s leadership to protect the country’s historical landmarks from plastic pollution. India’s Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mr. Mahesh Sharma, led participants in a declaration and long-term commitment to beat plastic pollution in the city of Agra and beyond.
“With our pledge today, India is sending a message today to the world that we can beat plastic pollution. We are committed to making the peripheries of 100 historic monuments in India litter free,” said Mr. Sharma.
Some of the commitments include: making areas around the Taj Mahal up to a limit of 500 metres around the monument litter free, segregating plastic waste generated near the monument for recycling, encouraging ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ tourism and launching mass consumer awareness campaigns about the negative impacts of single-use plastics thereby changing consumption patterns in the city.
"The Taj Mahal is a globally-recognised symbol of the beauty of India, so it's all the more important that Agra sends a message around the world that enough is enough when it comes to the ugliness of plastic pollution!" said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment. "Taking action is about keeping the beauty of our planet intact."
Celebrity Dia Mirza also commended the declaration, “I'm extremely proud and honoured to be here, not just as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador but as a citizen of this country. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and with this declaration, we want to send out a message to the world about the love we need to give back to our earth by joining the movement to beat plastic pollution and reducing our consumption of single use plastic.”
The Taj Mahal is a centuries-old mausoleum standing on the bank of Agra’s Yamuna river. Its white-marble façade is the most recognizable landmark in India, and people travel from around the world to witness its beauty. Making a commitment to protect the historical heritage from plastic pollution, India’s leadership pledged to take drastic action for change.
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