Mathura (UP), Jun 5 (PTI) Seeking to to raise awareness about rising global temperatures, Mathura MP Hema Malini on Thursday called on people to use their air conditioners for two hours less than usual.

Speaking on World Environment Day, she expressed hope that with collective efforts, Mathura could revive its erstwhile "natural beauty".

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In a parallel effort, Mathura's Divisional Forest Officer Rajni Kant Mittal shared updates on a major greening project underway in the city.

The social forestry division is developing a "city forest" over an area of approximately 150 hectares. The forest already contains more than 76,000 saplings and includes two significant water bodies.

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According to the DFO, the area is envisioned as an "oxygen duct" for the city, planted predominantly with indigenous plants.

In addition, the department is working on developing a vital wetland to enhance the region's biodiversity.

District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh launched a new initiative covering over 100 villages, in which households are encouraged to segregate plastic and wet waste for a nominal daily fee of one rupee. The waste is collected by panchayat-operated vans with separate compartments for dry and wet waste.

Within just one month of launch, over 15,000 households have enrolled, resulting in the collection of more than five tons of plastic waste, the government said.

Mathura Refinery also organised a special programme aligned with this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. Executive Director Mukul Agarwal addressed refinery staff, underlining the shared responsibility of all citizens in protecting the environment for future generations.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)