As PM Modi praises Sitamarhi’s plastic recycling drive in Mann Ki Baat, officials highlight environmental benefits

Sitamarhi, July 26 (SocialNews.XYZ) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Sitamarhi's single-use plastic recycling initiative during the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, many officials explained how the project is helping recycle plastic waste into useful products while promoting environmental conservation.

District Manager Raghav Jha, speaking to IANS, said the Plastic Waste Management Unit (PWMU) at Bajpatti serves as a key processing center for the district.

"This is the PWMU Bajpatti unit, which is a designated processing centre. It is connected to three or four other blocks, and our network covers the entire Sitamarhi district. We have four such units operating across the district. Plastic collected from different blocks and nearby collection centres is brought here for processing," Jha said.

He added that recycling plastic helps reduce pollution caused by non-biodegradable waste.

"Plastic that is discarded after use creates pollution because it does not decompose naturally. That is why we recycle it into useful products that can be used for various purposes. We are receiving full support from local representatives in carrying out this initiative," he said.

Mukhiya representative Ranjit Singh described the initiative as an important step towards environmental protection.

"This is a positive initiative. The single-use plastic that people usually throw away is now being collected and recycled to make benches and other useful items. It is highly beneficial from an environmental perspective, as it helps reduce pollution and promotes a cleaner environment," he said.

Sarpanch representative Anwarul Haq said the Prime Minister's appreciation would encourage people to participate in the campaign.

"The Prime Minister has spoken about this initiative for the benefit of everyone. Plastic waste is being collected and recycled to make useful products such as plastic chairs," he said.

Ward member Devendra Sah said the initiative has improved waste management across the Panchayat.

"Earlier, garbage was dumped indiscriminately. Now, plastic waste is collected, segregated and brought here for processing. It is then recycled into useful products, such as chairs, which are installed at various locations across the Panchayat," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the latest episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', drew national attention to plastic pollution, a pressing global environmental challenge and an easy and possible solution that has emerged from Sitamarhi district in Bihar.

PM Modi mentioned the Sitamarhi initiative, “Waste to wealth”, where waste is being recycled.

Single-use plastic waste is transformed into strong, durable, comfortable and eco-friendly benches. Each bench made consumes approximately 40 kilograms of single-use plastic. These benches are durable and attractive, and are being installed in government schools, parks and other public spaces.

The initiative, drawing praise from various quarters, is also spreading awareness about environmental conservation among students and citizens.

"Children are learning that the plastic they once discarded as waste can, through technology and proper management, become a valuable community asset. This effort demonstrates that the principles of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” are no longer mere slogans but are becoming an integral part of daily life, PM Modi said.

“The district administration has also played a pivotal role, partnering with the local unit,” he added.

Plastic is collected from across the district, cleaned, sorted and processed before being moulded into benches. In one documented phase, about 8,000 kg of single-use plastic was collected from four blocks (Dumra, Riga, Bajpatti and Runnisaidpur); 4,000 kg of it was recycled into 85 attractive benches.

Source: IANS