Himachal Pradesh has once again shown the way in eco-friendly use of plastic waste and save the environment from the resultant pollution caused by plastic waste.  A key initiative, ‘Polythene Hatao- Paryavaran Bachao’ campaign was organized in the State from 21st December to 26th December 2009 to collect the plastic waste littered on the hill slopes, forest areas and near rivers and nullahs etc. The Chief Minister, Prof Prem Kumar Dhumal launched the campaign on 21st December at Dharamshala and collected the plastic waste with others. Afterwards, four vehicles full of plastic were flagged off to Nurpur for laying roads using plastic waste. This shows the Government’s concern to do away with the hazardous practices posing a major threat to the environment.

The earnestness of the efforts taken by the State government towards environmental protection is reflected not only in organizing such campaigns but also in the follow up mechanism for the campaign. After the ‘Polythene Hatao- Paryavaran Bachao’ campaign was over, feedback from all the Deputy Commissioners was taken and reviewed by the Chief Secretary in a video conferencing on 30th December, 2009. 1381 Quintals of Polythene was collected in the State, which would be sufficient to mettle a stretch of approx. 138 kms. The State Government has asked all the concerned agencies to adopt zero waste management strategy and take appropriate action with respect to littering of non- biodegradable waste. The Chief Minister has expressed hope that this campaign would be a continued in a sustainable manner and would go a long way in making ‘Himachal Clean Green and Polythene Free’.

 

Keeping in view the hazards caused by the polythene, the Government banned the use, sale and manufacture of polythene/plastic carry- bags made up of non-biodegradable material in the State. The ban came into effect from 2nd October, 2009. Triggered by complaints of choked drainage due to plastic bags, the State Government has taken stringent measures from time to time. Earlier in the year 1999, the Government imposed prohibition on the traders, retailers and vendors in the State for using coloured polythene carry bags manufactured from recycled plastic, food packaging, and the goods traded/sold by them. Then again, Government of Himachal Pradesh imposed prohibition on the stockists, traders, retailers and vendors for all kinds of commodities within the State of Himachal Pradesh for using carry bags made of non-biodegradable material of thickness less than 70 microns and size less than 12”x 18” from 14th June, 2004.

Plastic is one of the major toxic pollutants of our time. Composed of toxic chemicals, plastic pollutes earth, air and water. Even its disposal has created unprecedented pollution problem as it is non- biodegradable. Besides, an eye sore for the onlookers, plastic carry bags, thrown recklessly create nuisance in the civic life. The constructive role of the State Government, industry, and the NGOs in changing the attitude of the general public and mass awareness campaigns undertaken to educate the public on littering did not yield the results on the expected lines. The Government realised that the Solid Waste Management particularly plastic waste management needed serious attention to work out a more environment friendly and scientific alternative for disposal of plastic waste.

Consequently, in a pioneering attempt in this direction, co- processing of plastic waste has been started in cement kilns at ACC Barmana and Ambuja Cements, Darlaghat by the State Government. This has resulted in bridging coal deficit as plastic and polythene waste has high calorific value which helps in cement production. The State Government in a major move decided to employ a proven environment friendly technology, which uses recycled plastic in the bitumen mixture for roads and the outcome has been encouraging. Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board constructed a stretch of road of approximately 800 meters by using approx. 530 Kg of shredded plastic waste between Tutu-Jubbar Hatti airport in collaboration with Public Works Department and Municipal Corporation. The waste plastic such as carry bags, disposable cups, and thermo coles, laminated plastics like pouches of chips, pan masala, aluminium foil, and packaging material used for biscuits, chocolates, milk, grocery etc was used in the road construction.

This demonstration revealed that the use of plastic waste in the construction of the roads would go a long way in increasing the road strength. This apart, the frequency of road repairs would be reduced as the chances of seepage of rain water and water stagnation is minimised due to presence of plastic. And even in financial terms, the usage of the plastic waste in the construction of the roads proves to be more economical, thus saving on the State’s exchequer. The plastic waste replaces approximately 10-15% of the bitumen and thus saves approximately Rs. 35000-45000 per km of a road stretch. The Government is developing institutional mechanism so that other roads in the other parts of the State can be constructed in similar fashion. The Government has directed the municipal authorities/NGOs to hand over the collected/ segregated polythene waste to the PWD for shredding and utilization in road construction.

Himachal Pradesh’s efforts in environment protection have also been appreciated all over the country. Other States are also following in its footsteps.

Issuedby: 

Director,

Information & Public Relations,

Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-2