SRINAGAR, FEB 26: A parliamentary panel has expressed concern that only 3 out of total 285 blocks in Jammu & Kashmir have established Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMU), even as making villages ‘visually clean’ by ensuring no plastic dump sites is an objective under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase-II.
The Standing Committee on Water Resources, in its latest report tabled in parliament, highlighted that Phase-II guidelines of the Clean India rural scheme stress on arrangement of door-to-door plastic waste collection and channelizing recyclable plastic to authorized vendors. The remaining non-recyclable plastic is to be sent to PWMUs at the block level.
However, the panel noted the lacklustre progress in setting up these units essential to realize the goal of no plastic waste dumps across villages. As per the Action Taken Report, the Jal Shakti Ministry has directed states to expeditiously create PWMUs in each block.
But only 3 out of total 285 blocks have functional PWMUs in J&K so far. “Plastic waste poses environmental and health hazards. The reasons for tardy progress in installing PWMUs must be explained and urgent steps taken to address this,” the committee stated.
In contrast, Ladakh has shown greater initiative in tackling plastic waste, with 15 out of 31 blocks establishing PWMUs for safe disposal. The panel said all states and UTs must be likewise encouraged to adhere to Phase-II guidelines on responsible plastic waste management. Ensuring villages are visually clean via plastic waste segregation, safe disposal and banning open burning remains a key SBM-G priority to mitigate environmental impact.
