Turning waste into wonders: Paudiya panchayat builds waste park in record time

In a remarkable step towards sustainable development, the state’s second Swami Vivekananda Panchvati Plastic Waste Park has been constructed in Paudiya Gram Panchayat, a remote village in the Chopal subdivision of Shimla. The park was inaugurated on Sunday by Shimla Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Abhishek Verma.

Highlighting the significance of the project, the ADC said the park was built in just 21 days, despite the challenging terrain of Paudiya. “Around six quintals of plastic waste were utilised in the construction of the park, showcasing an innovative approach to plastic waste management,” he said.

He further noted that two such parks have been established in Chopal within just six months, making it the only block in Himachal Pradesh to achieve this feat. He congratulated Chopal Block Development Officer (BDO) Vineet Thakur and Paudiya Gram Panchayat Pradhan Tapendra Mohan Sharma for their leadership and dedication in making the project a reality.

“This model not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also offers an effective solution for managing plastic waste in an environmentally friendly manner,” he added. He urged citizens to refrain from littering and instead systematically collect and dispose of plastic waste to support proper waste management.

BDO Vineet Thakur emphasised that the initiative aims to demonstrate how waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional. “These parks are not just public spaces — they are symbols of awareness, responsibility and community involvement,” he said, adding that the Chopal region is setting a new benchmark for sustainable development through the creation of attractive and useful community assets.

Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap praised the creative use of discarded materials like old tires and plastic bottles in the park’s construction. He said the park is already attracting attention from locals, children and tourists alike. “This initiative sends a powerful message: instead of discarding waste, we should find innovative ways to repurpose it, helping preserve the environment and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for generations to come,” he said.