In a bid to transform their campus into a plastic-free zone, professors at Saveetha University on Tuesday collected plastic bottles and bags and distributed paper bags.

Taking a cue from Deccan Chronicle’s Green Chronicle campaign to reduce electronic waste, the college administration has begun collecting electronic waste from professors and students.

Launching the plastic-free zone initiative, principal R. Venkatasan said, “Students have formed an eco club to improve the green cover of the campus.

They have begun reducing waste in their blocks. I have noticed students picking up waste and dispose it off in bins.

Every student and professor has to pitch in to make our university a clean and green campus.” Engineering students should take up projects to devise methods for scientific disposal of waste in the college, he added.

Prof A. Gandhi, placement coordinator, mentioned that recycling industry is growing at a fast pace. “Many entrepreneurs are starting recycling units.

They don’t just reap profit but also protect our environment through their business. Students should take up the responsibility to repair and reuse electronic gadgets and reduce plastic waste,” he said.

Chennaiites campaign for a green city

On World Environment Day, Chennai witnessed a series of eco campaigns, green walks and a biodiversity seminar that insisted ban on plastic and reduction in power consumption.

Taking the lead, state environment minister B.V. Ramanaa announced that steps to clean up plastic waste strewn in public places and tourist hubs would be taken up soon.

The chief minister has directed the ministry to ensure a clean environment in the state and the ministry with other departments will soon launch the drive, the minister said, addressing the World Environment Day function organised by Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board here on Tuesday.

Concerned over the mushrooming plastic bottle waste, he said pet bottles would take from 900 to 1,200 years to decompose and urged people to adapt plastic-free lifestyle.

Earlier in the day, US Consulate General organised a World Environment Day walk at Marina. Flagging off the Environment Day function, US Consul General Jennifer McIntyre said a green economy involved green labour, green jobs, green industries and green practices by each and every one.

Meanwhile, jurists from different parts of South India and budding lawyers keen on environment convened at a national seminar on bio-diversity conservation laws, issues and challenges held at Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University in collaboration with Indian Maritime University.

About 50 papers related to climatic conditions, ecological imbalance, bio-diversity conservation laws, environment issues and challenges were presented and discussed.

There are adequate laws prevalent to protect the environment, but the public lack awareness on laws related to environment and its protection.

There is a need for awareness and students into legal studies should gear up to protect the ecology, said professor Mr Sankar, registrar, Dr Ambedkar Law University, and urged the budding lawyers to stay united to protect the endangered species fighting extinction.

“There is an active role awaiting each citizen to protect the environment,” said Mr A.Subramaniam, professor of law, Andhra University, Vishakapatinam.

About 200 participants took part in the seminar. Earlier in the day, tree saplings were planted on university campus.

NCC students and NGOs joined in with tree sapling initiatives. Cadets of Tamil Nadu Girls Battalion, NCC, Chennai, undertook a massive sapling programme. About 200 saplings were provided by Tree Bank Trust, a trust.