J&K: Machine installed by man to use plastic waste for road building

In a bid to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of banning single-use plastic, a man has set up a factory that recycles plastic material and uses the same for the construction of roads at Battal Ballian village in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur. Identified as Jatinder Bagaria, started 'Kunal Plastic Industries' with an aim to remove plastic waste from the district.

Speaking to ANI, Bagaria said, "The main motive behind the plastic industry is to wipe out plastics from the Udhampur district. We are participating in the Prime Minister's campaign to clean India and are cleaning our city. We collect plastics to recycle and reuse them for the construction of roads. I have employed ten to twelve men and women in this industry and they earn handsome income for their families. More such industries should come up."

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The employees working in Bagaris' factory lauded the initiative. "We are earning good money from this initiative and are happy to work here. More such factories should be established so that women like us too can get employment," said Kurshida Begum an employee. Another employee Mohammad Rafiq said that they are cleaning their city as well as they are also earning their children and family.

Piyush Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur said: "An entrepreneur in Battal Ballian village has installed a machine which crushes plastic material which is then used in the construction of roads. The plastic getting consumed, it's helping build roads and he is also generating revenue. Plastic disposal can be a good venture.

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Meal in exchange for plastic waste in Odisha

In order to raise awareness about the perils of using plastic, the Kotpad Notified Area Council (NAC) in Koraput district is providing free meals to the poor in exchange for a kilogram of plastic waste. The program that started over a week back entails a meal for anyone who brings a kilogram of used polythene bags, plastic bottles, and cups. As per an official,  it is being carried out under the state government's 'Aahar' scheme.

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(With Inputs from ANI)