WASIM RAHMAN
Waste plastic bottles used in construction of an anganwadi centre in Majuli. – Photo: Jorhat Staff Correspondent JORHAT, Jan 19 - In a novel initiative undertaken by the Majuli district administration, an anganwadi centre is being constructed using waste plastic bottles (filled with sand) instead of bricks, a first of its kind in the State.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune, the Majuli Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi said that on an experimental basis a pilot project has been initiated to construct an anganwadi centre at Kakorikota Pabana village under Silakala Gaon Panchayat in the Brahmaputra island.
The Deputy Commissioner said that scientifically it has been established that construction of houses using sand-filled plastic bottles have adequate strength and longevity and it has been successful in some African countries, the Philippines, Bangladesh and in a few Indian States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
He said that during his tenure as the SDO (Civil) of Margherita in Tinsukia district about two years ago, a generator shed was constructed with waste sand-filled plastic bottles and the shed was strong enough and is in use now.
Kairi said that not only will the cost of construction be substantially much below due to the use of waste plastic bottles, but it is expected to contribute in maintaining a clean environment by checking plastic pollution.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the construction (using plastic bottles) is estimated to cost about Rs 80,000 and may be a little more, whereas using bricks the cost of the anganwadi centre (about 300 square feet floor area), would have been Rs 2.5 lakh or a bit more. He said that the construction has been done under the supervision of the PWD (Rural and Buildings). Kairi said the work began in the last week of December, 2019 and is scheduled to be completed by February end.
Kairi said sand filling of the bottles have been done by engaging job-card holders of MGNREGA Scheme and bottles were acquired from different sources including women Self Help Groups. He added that about 25,000 plastic bottles will be required for the construction as per estimate of the project. The maiden initiative has been undertaken Project Kishalay, the DC stated.
Source: The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, Monday, January 20, 2020