Taj Mahal takes aim at plastic pollution

"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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About World Environment Day:

World Environment Day is the single largest celebration of our environment each year. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated across the globe. For more information, visit www.worldenvironmentday.global

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Keith Weller, Head of News and Media, UN Environment. keith.weller@un.org