More than thousand students and SHG members marched through the renowned heritage tourist place Mamallapuram in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu on Feburary 24, 2017 to spread mass awareness on ill effects of indiscriminate use of plastic.

The rally was organized by the Chengalpattu Rural Development Society (CRDS) an active partner of Caritas India’s ecosystem based disaster risk reduction programme Udayam and St. Mary’s School.

Caritas India Tamil Nadu State Officer Dr. John Arokiaraj who flagged off the rally shared Caritas India intentions to promote healthy environment for the vulnerable to lead a dignified life.

Students carried hundreds of placards with messages of safe environment. During the 2.5 km rally, they distributed pamphlets on ‘Refuse-Reuse-Recycle Plastic’ and explained people on the need of environmental protection.

While speaking to the media people, Shruti, a student of Class VI-B said, “We want to live in pollution free environment” echoed. The main cause of disasters is mainly improper disposal of plastic. Hence, it is our responsibility to sensitize the public to use cloth bags and change the use and throw culture, she added.

Students pledged to refrain from unnecessary usage of plastic and convinced their family & friends against plastic usage to create environmental responsibility.