DHAKA, June 8, 2023 (BSS) - In observance of the golden jubilee of World Environment Day, Rosatom State Corporation of Russia conducted a three-day public awareness campaign at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) at Pakshey, Ishwardi. 

The awareness campaign was held in association with the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) from June 5 to 7 with the theme of the day - "Beat Plastic Pollution".

According to a message received here today, the campaign included mass awareness activities, educational sessions, voluntary clean-up drives by local students, and an exhibition of monsters made of used plastic bottles and bags. 

The idea of responsible use of plastic and its recycling was at the core of all activities. The campaign began at Dashuria M M High School, which was attended by over 600 students.

Speaking on the occasion Nina Dementsova, Head of Communications, Atomstroyexport (Rosatom Engineering Division, the General Designer and Contractor of Rooppur NPP construction) said, "Plastic has become a part of our lives. We do not think about the threats it is posing to our lives, by causing tremendous damage to the environment. Plastic has been accumulated in such a quantity that makes nature cry for help."

"Plastic is a terrible waste that inflicts harm to the environment and the climate. If we are at least aware of this, we can protect ourselves from the consequences. Throwing garbage where it is supposed to be will actually be a good way to protect ourselves," suggested Khondakar Arifuzzaman, Associate Professor of Geography and Environment at the Pabna University of Science and Technology.

"To maintain an environment free of pollution, waste management is a crucial issue and the initiatives taken by Rosatom to raise awareness in this regard should continue. The nuclear power plant at Rooppur will not only help meet our electricity needs, but it will also have a significant positive social impact," opined Md. Moniruzzaman, Deputy Manager of Rooppur NPP.
 
The ceremony was followed by a cleaning-up of the schoolyard and surrounding areas by over 500 students. The students put their colored handprints on a canvas termed 'Knowledge Tree' symbolizing their renewed commitment to a pollution-free environment.

To create public awareness about the damaging role of thrown-away plastic items 'Garbage Monsters' were installed at Ishwardi Pourashava office premises. 

Rupam Roy, an artist and the main designer of the project said, "In recent decades, humanity has been threatened by a real monster - plastic, which inflicts damage to the environment.