The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is launching a year-long plastic waste collection drive. The initiative, which is likely to begin on January 26, is set to cover all districts and the Greater Chennai Corporation every month.
The initiative, aimed at reducing the use of plastic and raising environmental awareness, will be carried out by the TNPCB on a budget of ₹10 crore. Municipal workers, volunteers, students, and local non-governmental organisations would help collect plastic waste and raise awareness of its harmful effects. The collected plastic will be recycled by waste management agencies, with local bodies overseeing the process.
As part of the drive, a baseline study on plastic usage has been planned, according to a government order (G.O.) issued by the Principal Secretary to the Departments of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests.
The initiative will be closely monitored by the District Environmental Engineers of the TNPCB, with data on participation, collected waste, and awareness activities submitted through the Meendum Manjappai mobile application, the G.O. said.
The local bodies will also explore mechanisms to provide incentives to encourage the participation of members of the public in the initiative.
Source: thehindu.com
