LUCKNOW, June 2 -- Marking the World Environment Day on June 5, the Uttar Pradesh government is launching a statewide awareness campaign with students and youth pledging to "End Plastic Globally" in response to chief minister Yogi Adityanath's call for environmental action, a government spokesperson said. As part of this initiative, a series of activities such as street plays (nukkad nataks), speeches, drawing competitions, and training programmes will be organised to raise environmental awareness among citizens, according to a government press release. Experts working in the field and representatives of volunteer organisations will also participate in these events. The Directorate of Environment has already begun preparations for the campaign. A formal directive has been sent to all district magistrates across the state, outlining the action plan. The main event will be held at the Regional Science Centre in Aliganj, Lucknow. This year, the World Environment Day will focus on ending plastic pollution, reducing the use of plastic, and minimising the use of plastic products. Schoolchildren will be the young faces leading the campaign, with street plays highlighting the impact of plastic waste on rivers and the environment. Speech competitions will encourage ideas on reducing plastic use, while painting contests will let students express their environmental concerns through art. Sushant Sharma, director, environment, Uttar Pradesh, said the World Environment Day will be marked by efforts to raise awareness among children, youth, and the public about the dangers of single-use plastic and the need for environmental protection....