Indian pacer Mohammed Shami on Friday has extended support to PM Modi's initiative of banning single-use plastic in a programme organised by Hindustan Petroleum in Amroha, reported ANI.

READ I Priority should be to eliminate single-use plastic by 2022: Env Secy

'We all must come forward and support'

"We all know that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started an initiative of cleaning the country be it Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or banning plastic in the country. We all must come forward and support Prime Minister's initiatives and be the pacesetters for the cause," Shami told reporters.

During PM Modi's last radio address 'Mann Ki Baat' and also during the Independence Day speech, he had pitched for launching a "new mass movement" against single-use plastic from October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Shami urged the citizens of the country to back the cause and help PM Modi in making India a plastic-free nation.

"There are many ill effects of plastic on the environment. We should use plastic as less as possible and should take it away from our children," Shami said.

Shami had a dream run during the ICC World Cup 2019. The right-handed bowler took 14 wickets in just four games, which included a hat-trick against Afghanistan.

READ I PM Modi goes to war against single-use plastics, makes strong appeal

Single-use plastic elimination

After assuming office as the Prime Minister for the second time in 2019, PM Modi has been very vocal in pushing for the elimination of single-use plastic waste. Initially, he talked about it from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his Independence Day speech. Subsequently, the Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched an anthem as part of a campaign to make India plastic-free by 2022. PM Modi also urged other countries to follow India's lead in the efforts to end the usage of single-use plastic, while addressing the 14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Greater Noida, a few days ago.

READ I PM Modi urges stop on use of single-use plastic, Bear Grylls applauds

READ I India NewsGeneral NewsPM Modi: 'Time for the world to say goodbye to single-use plastic'