Expecting PM to inaugurate global celebrations on World Environment Day: Vardhan

Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan today reviewed the preparations for World Environment Day and said he is expecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the global celebrations.

The United Nations has entrusted India with the responsibility of hosting World Environment Day on June 5 with focus on finding alternative to plastic in different parts of the globe.

The theme for this year's event is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.

"Reviewed preparations for #WorldEnvironmentDay2018. Expecting @narendramodi to inaugurate global celebrations with participation of several countries and @UNEnvironment. The yearlong programme's main theme is #BeatPlasticPollution. @moefcc," Vardhan tweeted.

He said a week-long exhibition involving central ministries, state governments and other agencies have been planned.

"#WorldEnvironmentDday2018-A week-long exhibition involving Central Ministries/State Govts/UN Agencies, @ficci_india, Industry and Environmental Agencies planned. There will be simultaneous programmes all across India to make it a people's movement. @moefcc, @UNEnvironment, he said in another tweet.

UN Environment chief Erik Solheim was recently in India to sign a letter of intent on India hosting World Environment Day. Solheim and Union Environment Secretary C K Mishra signed the letter.