He was addressing a gathering of more than 10,000 school children from nearly 200 schools of Delhi-NCR here, who had assembled to participate in the Envithon' a mini-marathon organised in the run-up to the World Environment Day on June 5.
Underlining the crucial role of school children in any societal endeavour, Union Environment minister Harsh Vardhan has urged school children to become environment protectors ('Paryavaran Rakshaks') and help the government and society overcome the menace of plastic pollution, an official statement said.
Vardhan said that children have an immeasurable capacity to infuse vigour and enthusiasm into any activity they indulge in and also inspire other people.
Cultural programme, including a street play, songs and dance performances, centred on the theme of plastic pollution and river conservation, was put up on the occasion.
Similar 'Envithons' have also been organised in five other cities of the country today.
Union Environment secretary C K Mishra, other top officials of the ministry and representative of the United Nations Environment, were among the distinguished present in the gathering.
June 3 is also being celebrated as the World Bicycle Day across the world for the first time.
The minister also administered a pledge to the children to undertake one 'Green Good Deed' every day, minimise the use of plastic and contribute their mite to totally stop single use of plastic in our day-to-day life.
Later, Vardhan flagged off the Envithon' run at Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri and rode a bicycle on the occasion of World Bicycle Day today.