MP: Biaora’s environment conservation effort echoes in ‘Mann Ki Baat’; locals thrilled over PM Modi’s praise

Bhopal, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 135th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ highlighted an inspiring grassroots effort from Biora of Rajgarh district, where local women have transformed plastic waste into a powerful tool for environmental conservation and urban beautification.

PM Modi urged citizens to reflect on the cleanliness and the often-overlooked individuals who shoulder the responsibility of maintaining it, while highlighting the commendable effort by residents of Biora, particularly women for recycling plastic waste.

The Prime Minister praised the local women as well as ‘Paryavaran Premi Sanrakshan Samiti’ (Environment Lovers Conservation Committee) for setting a unique example of environmental conservation by transforming plastic waste into eco-bricks.

Plastic, which once caused pollution in the city, is now becoming Biaora’s identity.

As the Prime Minister congratulated all those associated with the initiative for leading this commendable social revolution, on back of their own hard work, the locals felt exhilarated and thrilled over the recognition. Many shared their excitement over being mentioned in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

The residents of Biaora said that Prime Minister’s mention of their campaign is a matter of pride for the entire district.

They said this has boosted their enthusiasm and sentiments for pursuing environmental conservation and plastic recycling with more vigour.

Women associated with the campaign said that this is not merely a cleanliness drive, but a pledge to create a clean and green future for coming generations.

They said that if every city and village adopts this model, a solution to the major problem of plastic pollution can be found.

Anil Kushwaha, Head of the ‘Paryavaran Premi Sanrakshan Samiti’ (Environment Lovers Conservation Committee) speaking to IANS said, “Our team has been working on polythene disposal in Biaora town for the past six months. Our teams collect polythene lying on the streets or outside homes and stuff it into empty water bottles. This makes the bottle as hard as a stone; we call these ‘Eco-bricks’. They can be used in various places. We are also creating many items by recycling polythene; we have already made tree guards, chairs, and dustbins from plastic waste.”

Kushwaha added, “After the Prime Minister praised the initiative in ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ many people called me offering their support. My team is also enthusiastic. We will now take this campaign to a larger scale. Polythene is like a ‘genie’ that finds its way into everyone’s home. I appeal to my fellow citizens to minimise their use of plastic.”

Anil Kushwaha also shared that they faced many challenges at the start of the campaign, people laughed at them but pursued their goal with resolve.

“Many people mocked us online. People would make fun of us when our team went out at night to collect plastic. Now, 300 families collect the polythene generated in their homes and hand it over to us,” he said.

Minister of State Narayan Singh Panwar said, “The women of Biaora have initiated an effort to make this city plastic-free. They are collecting and recycling plastic bottles and polythene.”

“The committee is manufacturing various items, including toys, from plastic waste. This small initiative by the women will soon expand significantly. Discussions regarding this have been held with the Municipal Chairperson. The Prime Minister’s mention of this effort will rapidly attract more people, and the campaign will gain significant momentum,” he added.

Notably, the committee has collected more than 20 tonnes of plastic and recyclable waste so far.

More than 700 eco-bricks have been produced, which have been used to build various structures for public utility.

This model from Biaora has now become a successful example of ‘waste to value’. This initiative of transforming plastic waste into a resource is serving as a means for environmental conservation as well as a source of employment and public awareness.

It is hoped that following Prime Minister’s praise in ‘Mann Ki Baat, this model will inspire other cities across the country.

–IANS

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