The Environment and Climate Change Department of the Maharashtra Government organised a PET bottle collection drive and a street play at Dadar Chaityabhoomi Beach on World Environment Day.

The activities were held under the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan, a state initiative focused on PET waste collection and disposal. The programme included participation from government agencies, volunteers and industry representatives.

According to the department, the event was conducted with on-ground support from Sangam Pratishthan Foundation.

As part of the programme, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) carried out a used PET bottle collection drive and participated in public awareness activities related to plastic waste disposal.

The event also included a beach clean-up involving more than 30 volunteers. Collected PET bottles were segregated for processing, organisers said.

A Hindi nukkad natak was staged at the beach to spread awareness about plastic waste disposal and recycling. The performance highlighted the importance of proper waste handling and disposal practices.

The programme was conducted under the Majhi Vasundhara initiative, through which the Maharashtra Government undertakes environmental awareness activities across the state.

PET, or polyethene terephthalate, is widely used in beverage bottles and food packaging. Collection and recycling programmes are often used to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates.

According to the state government, the Maha r-PET Abhiyaan seeks to improve the collection of used PET bottles and increase participation from local bodies, educational institutions, businesses and residents.

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, which took part in the drive, manufactures and distributes beverage products across multiple states in India.

World Environment Day is observed every year on June 5 under the United Nations Environment Programme and is marked through activities focused on environmental awareness and conservation.