Plastic waste management initiative transforms Rajouri villages

In a significant step towards achieving a plastic-free environment and effective waste management, the Rajouri Administration has launched multiple initiatives in border and remote blocks, including Lamberi and Nowshera. The initiatives, undertaken under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), have led to improvements in cleanliness and employment generation for local communities.

The government has installed fully functional plastic waste management units across these blocks to process plastic waste efficiently. Additionally, segregation sheds have been set up in every panchayat to facilitate the systematic sorting of waste. Swachhta Doots, local workers employed on a salary basis, are responsible for overseeing waste segregation and disposal processes.

Mohammad Anwar, one of the Swachhta Doots said, "We have been given jobs by the block authorities and we are working hard. Earlier, it was very difficult, but now seven of us have employment. We travel to different villages where our dustbins are installed, empty them, and dispose of the waste. The block has also provided us with a vehicle for waste collection. We separate paper, bottles, and other materials."

Plastic waste management units have significantly improved hygiene levels in the region. "A plastic waste unit has been set up, which has increased cleanliness in our village. Earlier, there was a lot of dirt and garbage, but now the village is much cleaner," said Sher Singh, a local resident.

"The toilets that have been built are very useful for everyone. Also, cleaning is being done properly. Earlier, people used to throw garbage anywhere. Things have improved a lot now. People bring their waste and throw it in the dustbins. Every 12-15 days, workers come and collect the garbage, separating bottles, paper, and other materials," said Yograj, a watchman in the area.

Manoj Kumar, panchayat account assistant, elaborated on the operational aspects and said, "I oversee this Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin scheme. There are eight panchayats in the block and six segregation sheds. We have appointed Swachhta Doots in each panchayat. Their job is to collect waste from local markets and deposit it in large dustbins. Then, our vendors collect all the waste, segregate it at different sheds in the panchayats, and transport it to the plastic management units. One vendor, Ajay Choudhary, processes the plastic waste and bundles it to generate revenue."

He further added, "Currently, seven Swachhta Doots are working under the initiative, receiving financial support from panchayats along with additional revenue generated from processed plastic waste. Waste management infrastructure in the district includes two shredder machines and two bailing machines, out of which one shredder and one bailing machine are fully functional.”