Rice-for-plastic drive a hit in Ambala

Nitin Jain

Tribune News Service

Ambala, November 30

The first phase of Ambala’s first-of-its-type ‘rice-for-plastic’ drive closed to a massive response here today.

Over 11,000 single-use plastic and polythene was collected under the initiative to make Ambala country’s ‘plastic-free’ district against distribution of as much free rice till last evening. The final figure of the plastic collected and rice distributed was yet to be compiled as the drive was still underway at some centres across the district till the reports last came in.

Sharing the outcome of the three-week campaign, which was launched on November 7, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma disclosed that a maximum of over 4,000-kg plastic was collected in Ambala City, followed by over 3,500 kg in Ambala Cantonment and over 1,500 kg each in Barara and Naraingarh.

“Plastic is still pouring in and similar amount of rice was given free to those who are bringing it,” he said.

He said the next phase of the drive was aimed at declaring all schools and colleges in the district as ‘plastic-free’. The district administration was also in the process to launch a mobile app to expedite the removal of unclaimed single-use plastic from the district.

Sharma said heads of all educational institutions in the district had been asked to ban the use of single-use plastic in their institutions and declare them ‘plastic-free’ by displaying a board in this regard.

“Plastic-free institution boards will be hanged outside and inside all schools and colleges to help make Ambala plastic-free district and the young generation will be sensitised against the use of single-use plastic and its harmful effects on the environment and human body,” the DC has directed.

He said in view of the massive success of the ‘rice-for-plastic’ drive, the next phase of the initiative would be decided soon.

The mobile app will ensure that no plastic waste remains lying unclaimed in any part of the district. The residents will be able to upload the photos and information regarding the unclaimed plastic and polythene on the mobile app following which the administration will get it collected from the spot.