April 18, 2010

               After the success of first phase of 'Polythene Hatao-Paryavaran Bachao Campaign' launched in December last year, stage is set to launch second phase on 22nd April, 2010 which coincides with 'World Earth Day'. The week long 'Polythene Hatao-Paryavaran Bachao Campaign' aims at achieving the expected outcome of 'Zero Tolerance Strategy for Plastic/ Polythene Waste Management'. A number of departments cutting across different tiers of administration and people from all spheres of life would be made a part of this campaign. Forest Department, PWD, IPH Department, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats, Educational Institutions, General Public, Beopar Mandals, Mahila Mandals, Yuva Mandals and NGOs would be involved to do away with the plastic/polythene.

Setting up of plastic/polythene Collection Centres for buying the shredded polythene/plastic waste collected during the Phase I of the campaign, cleaning of hot spots identified and metalling of roads by using the shredded polythene/ plastic waste would be the key activities of this campaign.

A prize distribution function would be organised at the onset of the campaign to felicitate the best district, three best panchayats at district level and three urban local bodies at State level. The Chief Minister, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal would inaugurate road metalling using polythene/plastic waste in Shimla on the same day.

A number of teams would be constituted for hot spots identified in different areas. Forest areas, nullahs/drains/water bodies, roads, hill slopes/ residential areas /commercial  areas  would  be  cleaned  by  Forest  Department, IPH   Department,  Public Works Department,  Urban  Local  bodies /    Panchayats 

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respectively.   The  plastic/polythene waste collected from the hotspots would then be towed away to the nearest 'Plastic/ Polythene Collection Centres'. These teams would also devise a strategy to stop future misuse by providing for adequate and appropriate measures such as provision of wire mesh, putting up hoardings etc.

To sensitize the masses about the hazards of polythene/plastic waste, the Government would undertake mass awareness programmes through media, competitions, hoardings, rallies etc by involving Eco Clubs, NGOs, and Institutions etc. The process and analysis of the reports forwarded by the Deputy Commissioner would be carried out by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology and Pollution Board which would further submit it to the State Government by 30th June, 2010. The concerted efforts of the Government would certainly help in scientific disposal of polythene/plastic waste.

The State Government has set a precedent in environmental protection which will serve as a model for others States.