Thursday, 06 MARCH 2025 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Scientists, educators, cultural workers and social activists have voiced serious concerns over the alarming rise in plastic waste in Uttarakhand, warning of its dangerous consequences for the future. They stated this in an event organised by the Dehradun-based SDC Foundation at the IRDT Auditorium on Wednesday, titled Celebration of 300+ Plastic Banks. The SDC founder Anoop Nautiyal said that his foundation has set up over 300 plastic banks across Dehradun city. The event was attended by scientists from various institutions, professors from local universities, school and college teachers, cultural figures, social activists and a large number of students and citizens. The director of CSIR-IIP and the event’s chief guest Harender Bisht acknowledged the rapid increase in plastic waste and pointed out that efforts toward proper disposal remain inadequate. He described the Plastic Bank initiative as a step in the right direction and urged people to take responsibility for minimising plastic waste in their daily lives. Renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi also highlighted the contrast in awareness levels between urban and rural areas, stating that while cities are beginning to recognise the plastic waste problem, villages still face significant challenges. Pledging to raise awareness in rural communities, he stressed the importance of sustained efforts in education and waste management. Nautiyal also delivered a detailed presentation on the plastic bank campaign, tracing its journey from a small initiative in 2019 that was launched with just 55 girl students from Upper Primary School Khudbuda in Dehradun to a movement that has now reached nearly one lakh people, including 40,000 students across the city. He shared that the foundation has set up plastic banks in various locations, including 132 Maggi Points, 92 schools, 40 hostels, 10 universities and colleges and eight showrooms. Nautiyal appealed to the public to reduce plastic usage and encourage others to do the same. Participants also opined that while plastic waste was once dismissed as mere garbage, awareness is growing and some startups are now exploring ways to turn waste into wealth. They said that with initiatives like the plastic bank campaign gaining momentum, the call for a cleaner, more sustainable planet is growing stronger. However, they also made it clear that real change will require continuous efforts from individuals, communities and policymakers alike.
