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Nal Sarovar: Villages Paid to Collect Plastic for Birds
12 Aug
Summary
- Villages near Nal Sarovar will be paid to collect plastic waste.
- A project with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to reduce pollution.
- The initiative supports migratory birds and creates local employment.
The Gujarat government, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is implementing a project to combat plastic pollution around Nal Sarovar, the state's largest bird sanctuary. This initiative will incentivize residents in 14 identified villages within a 2-4 km radius to collect plastic waste.
Under the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat (PERG), the forest department will establish collection and processing infrastructure. Local villagers, including members of the Padhar community, will be compensated for their efforts in collecting and depositing plastic waste. This waste will be shredded and sold for recycling, fostering both environmental sustainability and local livelihoods.
The project, costing Rs 2.94 crore, aims to safeguard the wetland, a designated Ramsar site, which is a vital habitat for approximately 6.42 lakh birds of 270 species, including migratory visitors from Siberia and Europe. The initiative is expected to commence within a month.
Central to the effort are 'Swachhta Praharis' who will encourage waste segregation and disposal. A dedicated plastic waste collection center has been established in Kayla village, covering several villages in Ahmedabad and Surendranagar districts. This move aligns with Gujarat's 2021 ban on single-use plastics and aims to significantly reduce the plastic burden on Nal Sarovar.
