India's Rural Roads Get Green Mile: 40,000 km Built with Plastic Waste

India has constructed nearly 40,000 km of rural roads using plastic waste, with 13,000 km completed in the last two years. Secretary of DDWS, Vini Mahajan, emphasized the progress in sanitation, waste management, and the collaborative effort from central ministries, states, and communities under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva-2024' campaign.

Nearly 40,000 km of rural roads have been constructed using plastic waste, according to a senior official on Tuesday. Of this, 13,000 km were completed in the past two years alone, said Vini Mahajan, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), during a media interaction.

Speaking at the event, Mahajan highlighted the success of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in leveraging this sustainable technique, reflecting India's commitment to sustainability and sanitation. She noted that over 55% of villages have achieved 'ODF Plus Model' status, accompanied by significant strides in greywater and plastic waste management.

Mahajan also underscored the crucial support from all Central ministries, states, and UTs in driving the 'Swachhata Hi Seva-2024' initiative. She emphasized that sanitation is a unifying societal issue, led by cohesive leadership from the highest levels to grassroots communities. Cleanliness, she said, is an evolving journey underscored by behavioral change.

(With inputs from agencies.)