A 20-year-old Indian has been walking across Asian countries – to generate awareness on plastic pollution.
Rohan Agarwal, a resident of Nagpur under the Maharashtra state, has reached Bangladesh after walking 15,000 kms.
He is a student of Government Sikkim Professional University in India.
Rohan said he started walking from the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on October 24 in 2020.
After traveling to 27 states of his country, Rohan came to Bangladesh through Bilonia border in Feni on October 8, 2022. He visited Chattogram Hill Tracts and came to Chandpur on November 10.
In Chandpur, he met the deputy commissioner, municipality mayor and journalists at the local press club and delivered an awareness speech – on the dangers of plastic pollution – at several educational institutions of the district.
“This is my journey to save the planet from plastic pollution. I came to Bangladesh from India and met many people along the way,” Rohan said.
UNBHe said the world is not only for humans; animals and plants also share the planet. “So, you must be aware of the environment. It is the responsibility of all people.”
“Wherever I go, I talk about the plastic pollution in public places, including schools and colleges. I tell everyone that they should protect the environment,” the youth added.
On Sunday, Rohan visited Al-Amin School and College in Chandpur and delivered a speech, said the school's assistant headmaster Md Tajul Islam.
“He talked to the students about plastic pollution and its consequences. We appreciate his initiative,” the assistant headmaster said.
After Bangladesh, Rohan has plans to visit several other countries in the region, including Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia.
Zillur Rahman Jewel, mayor of Chandpur municipality, said Rohan is working on a global issue like plastic pollution at a young age. “I hope everyone will support him in his journey. I wish him success.”