42 panchayats in Mandi’s Chauntara block to become plastic waste-free soon
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Waste management plant set up in Passal panchayat to tackle single-use plastic
MANDI: In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, all 42 gram panchayats in Chauntara development block in Jogindernagar subdivision of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh are set to be freed from the scourge of plastic waste.
A state-of-the-art plastic waste management plant has been established at Passal panchayat, specifically designed to handle the disposal of single-use plastic waste. Once fully operational, the facility will not only ensure the scientific disposal of single-use plastics from all panchayats within the block but also create a new revenue stream for the local governing bodies.
Most importantly, this initiative promises to alleviate the daily burden of plastic waste for local residents, fostering a cleaner, greener environment and improving the quality of life in rural areas.Chauntara is the first development block in Mandi district to set up such a facility.
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Funded under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), the plant has been built at a cost of approximately Rs 16 lakh. It is equipped with modern machinery, including a bailing machine, a plastic shredder and a plastic dust remover.
E-rickshaws will also be available to facilitate the collection of plastic waste from various panchayats. The processed waste will be repurposed and supplied to cement and plastic goods manufacturing plants, as well as to the Public Works Department for use in road construction.
This initiative is expected to not only help in managing plastic waste more effectively but also generate income for the participating gram panchayats.
Currently, single-use plastic waste is a major environmental concern in rural areas where it is often seen littered around or burnt, causing pollution and clogging drains. Moreover, plastic waste is a significant contaminant of rivers, streams, ponds, agricultural land and even drinking water sources, posing a direct threat to public health.
Vishal Singh Rathore, pradhan of Passal panchayat, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Our panchayat is taking a proactive step towards solving the plastic waste problem by setting up this plant. We are also installing an incinerator to dispose of sanitary pads and napkins, further addressing the waste management needs of our community.
We seek the cooperation of all residents to make this initiative a success.” He also mentioned that a local individual was managing the plant’s operations, ensuring community involvement in the process.
Sarwan Kumar, Block Development Officer of Chauntara, highlighted the strategic importance of the plant, stating, “We have invested around Rs 16 lakh to establish this facility for the disposal of single-use plastic waste across the 42 gram panchayats in Chauntara block. Currently, the collection of single-use plastic waste has commenced in 17 gram panchayats, with approximately 62 kg of plastic already gathered. The waste will be transported to the plant using e-rickshaws or other vehicles.”
He appealed to the villagers, urging them to responsibly dispose of single-use plastics, such as milk packets, yogurt containers, biscuit wrappers, chips wrappers, water bottles and other food wrappers, by handing them over to panchayat representatives, sanitation volunteers, field staff of the department or members of self-help groups formed under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). “By doing so, we can ensure the scientific disposal of plastic waste and make Chauntara a cleaner, more beautiful and pollution-free block,” he added.
