Polythene-free Jammu initiative
DRDO’s alternative to polythene bags significant step towards transforming urban landscape: LG
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday launched the bioplastic carry bag developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Polythene-free Jammu initiative.
LG Sinha tells A Tale of Two Smart Cities
This is not Charles Dickens 1858 historical novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, the yesteryear J&K graduates have grown up with but it is all about the observations of the pro-active Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the status of Jammu and Srinagar Smart City Projects. The ambitious project got off in the two capital cities of the Union Territory almost simultaneously but the speed and perfection with which these are proceeding tell different tales, which rightly invoked the attention of Manoj Sinha, always on toes to see for himself the developmental projects being translated on ground zero.
Speaking at a function in the summer capital, the Lieutenant Governor observed that the work on the Jammu Smart City Project is not as satisfactory as in Srinagar, notwithstanding the Jammu Smart City Project getting additional Rs 7 crores for completion of various works, currently under execution. He tagged the term ‘excellent’ to the work being done in Srinagar.
The Lieutenant Governor has frankly and firmly reflected the observations of the Jammu people, who have been speaking in unequivocal terms about the quality of work and delays taking place, much to the displeasure of the city dwellers, who face a lot of inconveniences and risks too. Risk in terms of pedestrian movement as the spacious pavements are conveniently and comfortably being used by vehicle owners for parking purposes.
With observations of the LG going public, the coming days will witness Jammuties echoing similar remarks on various facets of the Jammu Smart City Project (JMCP).
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Housing and Urban Affairs congratulated the people of Jammu, Mayor JMC and ULB members on getting the alternative of polythene. He called upon the people to shun polythene bags and switch to sustainable bags developed by DRDO. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has converted the challenges of urbanization into opportunities. The Swachhtha Andolan, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, is leading the country, especially the urban centers on the path of sustainable growth and development, said the Union Minister.
Today, Swachhta has become the priority of the government. It has become the very principle for effective implementation of all other government schemes, he added
The Lt Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the DRDO for developing the bioplastic carry bag as an alternative to the polythene bags. It is a significant step towards transforming urban landscape, faster sustainable development and ease of living of citizens, he added.
“This edible and water soluble bag is the best alternative to curb growing menace of plastic pollution. Strategy to Re-orient besides 6R-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Remove, Refuse and Report will provide sustainable options to people and promote alternatives for packaging and designing,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor called upon the people from every section of the society, all the stakeholders to discharge their duties towards nature and rededicate themselves to realize the goals of sustainable growth.
“Nature unites us and Jan-Bhagidari is the key to build a harmonious and prosperous society while effectively managing the challenges of climate change. People should actively contribute in such endeavours to build a clean, smart and green city and a better future for coming generations,” the Lt Governor said.
“Youth will play a crucial role in combating climate change and building a sustainable future. Youth will also lead the communities to reduce the plastic pollution and to strengthen economic, commercial and social activities in our cities,” the Lt Governor added.
Today the earth and the ocean both are facing a threat from single use plastic. Efforts of the people and the implementation of the 7R campaign will have to be intensified. We need both technology innovations and calibrated action to reduce plastic pollution, enable sustainable alternatives to ensure success of our sustainable development programmes, he said.
The Lt Governor also appreciated school children and various organizations for their efforts, like Polythene-free Jammu campaign, Walkathons, documentaries, to spread awareness against plastic pollution.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, constant efforts are being made for rejuvenation of cities. Along with the creation of facilities, strict measures have been taken to conserve and protect the environment while citizens are also being made aware of their responsibilities, the Lt Governor said.
“Sale of polythene and single use plastic has been completely banned in J&K. But plastic pollution cannot be overcome only by government orders. Our resolve to make Jammu Polythene-free requires the active participation of every citizen of Jammu city,” he said.
Rajinder Sharma, Mayor, JMC; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman District Development Council, Jammu; Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament; Baldev Singh Billawaria, Deputy Mayor JMC; ULB representatives; senior officials and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.