This program was defined by the Global Village Development Foundation

Khajuraho polythene management programme

STATE OF KHAJURAHO

* Approximately 6000 polythene bags of sub-standard are used and disposed off in the open everyday, weighing roughly 60 tons per year.

* Over 20% of open land area and the major part of the landscape of Khajuraho is covered by polythene based garbage.

* As per an estimate, around 450 cattles in and around Khajuraho die of consumption of polythene.

* The few limited drains in Khajuraho in lieu of a complete drainage system are plagued with blockages due to polythene bags and waste rendering them useless.

POLYTHENE WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

For an effective implementation of proper waste management programme, it is necessary to have a holistic approach to tackle the issue. The programme must encompass waste disposal, collection, segregation, processing and recycling, besides, public awareness campaigns on wrong waste disposal habits and compliance to scientific disposal systems.

Reusability and recyclability are the two major attitudes of any material to be regarded as eco-friendly. Keeping this in mind, Global Village Development Foundation Khajuraho (GVDFK), in its limited capacity and resources, is resolute to manage the polythene waste in Khajuraho to safeguard its environment. This programme is designed to be implemented in three phases.

PHASE I

(Started April 2002)

a) Generating public awareness and social acceptance of the cause; by,

- distribution of handbills and pamphlets

- conducting door to door visits

- display of banners and boards

- public announcements against use of polythene bags at public places and residential colonies.

b) Evoking public decree proclaiming -

- ban on use of polythene bags, and,

- imposition of fine on defaulters.

c) Garnering administrative support at all levels - to ensure proper implementation of the decree enacted.

d) Encouraging use of bio-degradable and eco-friendly alternatives of polythene in the market, like,

- paper, cotton and jute bags

- utensils (dona-pattal) made of leaves of Chewla tree

- earthen pots (kulhads, etc)

e) Conducting workshops to impart training for unemployed youths and self-help groups in making polythene-alternatives for use in the market.

f) Public distribution of cotton and jute bags to inhabitants of Khajuraho and encouraging other establishments to follow the suite.

g) Monitoring and maintaining vigil on the market - through our workforce of volunteers to ensure total prohibition on use of polythene bags.

PHASE II

WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSING

a) Distribution of "collection bins" - for polythene and plastic based waste to all the houses and hotels of the township.

b) Scheduling alternate day visit to every house by GVDFK volunteers to collect the waste.

c) Securing exclusive dumping ground from local administration for collection, segregation and sorting of polythene waste.

d) Despatching plastic waste to the recycling plant.

PHASE III

An effort

The first two phases ensures no more disposal of polythene and plastic based waste in the open, but, clearing of waste dumped in the last two decades still needs to be attended - hence this third phase. Inspired by a news from Bangalore, GVDFK is exploring the possibilities of utilising the dumped plastic and polythene waste as an underbed forming a foundation layer to the roads under construction in the area. GVDFK is under process of assessing its success in association with a few Engineers volunteering in this cause