Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted the need to eliminate single-use plastic in the country saying animals are dying because of plastic trash.

"The problem if the plastic is growing each day. You Brijwasis are well aware of how plastic becoming a major factor of animals' death. Similarly, the marine animals, especially fishes living in rivers, ponds are also dying because of plastic pollution in the water bodies," he said addressing the inaugural event of National Animal Disease Control Programme.

He also urged people to carry eco-friendly bags while going to the market.

PM Modi also stepped into the shoes of rag pickers, who segregate plastic from the garbage on daily basis. The Prime Minister was seen sitting on a brown coloured crate with a few women rag pickers and was seen separating plastic from a large heap of garbage to send out a clear message to the citizens to cut plastic use. He also exchanged pleasantries with them.

Mathura: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets women who pick plastic from garbage and extends a helping hand to them. PM will launch a campaign against single-use plastic products, today. pic.twitter.com/FZrFuJSuco

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 11, 2019

"Waste to Wealth is what is going to protect our environment. I request you to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. I urge traders to use very less plastic for packaging. It is our duty to be responsible about the environment," he said.

Mathura: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to launch the National Artificial Insemination Programme. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath & Mathura MP Hema Malini also present. pic.twitter.com/pGjP40XyvO

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 11, 2019

The Prime Minister also urged self-help groups and young minds to work towards making India plastic-free country. "I appeal to Self Help groups working in villages, social organisations, youth organisations, clubs, schools and colleges to join the campaign against single plastic use and make India clean and green," he said.

"We have to try that by October 2, we rid all our homes, offices, workplaces and surroundings of single-use plastics," Modi added.

Besides single-use plastic, the Prime Minister also talked about combating terrorism, climate change and sanitation drive at the event.