Himachal Pradesh collects over 1,300 quintal of plastic waste

The Himachal Pradesh government's effort to get the state rid of environment pollutant plastic seems to be yielding results, as about 1,381 quintal of such waste was collected from across the region during a week-long special drive.

The drive was launched by chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal from Dharamsala on December 21. As part of "polythene hatao, paryavaran bachao (remove polythene, save environment)" drive, government agencies and NGOs collected plastic wastes which would be used in road metalling work.

Capital Shimla topped in collection of plastic wastes with 425 quintal, followed by 250 quintal in Solan, which has major industrial areas, officials said.

Buoyed by good results, chief minister Dhumal has appealed to people to maintain the tempo and make collection of wastes a habit.

Chief secretary Asha Swaroop through video conference reviewed the drive, with deputy commissioners, and instructed them to continue with it in future, Nagin Nanda, Member Secretary of State Environment Protection & Pollution Control Board said today.

The hill state has already banned use of polythene carry bags from October 2 last.

The plastic wastes collected have been handed over to the public works department for use in road metalling work.