Introducing Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK): A Comprehensive Platform for Plastic Recycling
“Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) is a comprehensive platform. It is designed to effectively manage assembled plastics within the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP). The primary goal of BSK is to receive waste plastics collected from various sources. It then enables the recycling of non-cost but recyclable waste plastics using BSK’s capacity. This includes utilizing WPPM technology to create plastic products. It also aims to produce plastic granules through injection molding machines, crush plastic for rod production, and convert plastic into fuel via the Plastic Pyrolysis process. By recycling plastics in these ways, the initiative aims to contribute to public welfare. Recycled materials find use in projects like public gardens, roadside pavements, and tree guards.”
“However, upon assessing the condition of waste plastics at the waste depot, it became evident that a significant portion is either buried in mud or severely aged. This renders it non-recyclable. To address this issue, BSK will employ a machine with a capacity of over 50 tons. This machine hydraulically compresses the non-recyclable waste plastics into bundles. These compressed bundles find use in constructing plastic dams.”
“BSK serves as a crucial link. It connects all levels of cleanliness initiatives across India. This includes Gram Panchayat (Village Councils), Panchayat Samiti (Block Councils), Nagarpalika (Urban Local Bodies), Zilla Parishad (District Councils), Mahanagar Palika (Municipal Corporations), State Governments, and the Central Government. While each level may have distinct procedures, the overarching objective remains consistent: to eliminate non-biodegradable waste.”
“Overall, BSK represents an important step. It consolidates various plastic recycling technologies that are currently available or newly developed. This provides a unified platform for effective waste management. Ultimately, it promotes environmental sustainability.”
The Imperative Need for Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK)
“Plastic is an indispensable part of our lives, serving various purposes. However, we also bear a moral responsibility to manage its waste responsibly. Plastic waste management presents numerous challenges. The most pressing issue is often the segregation of plastic waste. Improper disposal leads to water pollution and widespread plastic land pollution, affecting thousands of hectares. Incinerating plastic contributes to air pollution by releasing toxic elements. Furthermore, waste plastics play a role in climate change, compounding environmental concerns.”
“Government measures like plastic bans and single-use plastic restrictions have unfortunately shown limited impact. The complex nature of the plastic waste problem, coupled with its inconspicuous presence, adds to the difficulty in finding truly effective solutions. Existing management systems also face difficulties, impeding progress in tackling the issue comprehensively. To address these concerns, PWCP advocates a novel approach: emphasizing the creation of jobs specifically dedicated to waste plastic elimination. This vision can be fully realized through the Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) platform.”
“BSK promises to be a groundbreaking solution. It connects stakeholders at all levels, fostering comprehensive plastic waste management. By harnessing the potential of this platform, the objective is not only to recycle waste plastics. It also focuses on generating sustainable employment opportunities dedicated to waste plastic eradication. This transformative approach seeks to confront the plastic waste issue head-on. It paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future.”
An Integral Division for Effective Sanitation Management
“Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) will operate as a division under local self-governing bodies. This includes Gram Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad, and Panchayat Samiti. It will function within the Sanitation Department. The management of BSK will fall under the complete purview of the Sanitation Department.”
“Given existing initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan running at both state and national levels in India, establishing BSK’s foundation is expected to be a relatively straightforward process. This also applies to other programs such as Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan and Gram Swachhata Abhiyan.”
Empowering Plastic Waste Management through Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) – A Collaborative Approach
“In the Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK), plastic waste collection and segregation play a vital role. Rag pickers and underprivileged individuals actively participate by collecting plastic waste. In return, they receive financial incentives. To ensure transparent financial transactions, specific rules are followed. Upon submitting plastic waste to BSK, individuals receive tokens. These tokens are valued at Rs. 10 per kg, based on the weight of plastic provided. The token amount is later redeemed at the BSK department office.”
“Administrative tasks related to BSK will be centralized. These will be carried out from the BSK office located at the waste depot. Additionally, BSK’s recycling plant will have the option to operate through an annual tendering process.”
“The primary objective of BSK is the effective elimination and recycling of plastic waste. Tenders will be issued accordingly. Local self-governments will be obligated to purchase the recycled products at fixed prices. These products will then be utilized for public welfare projects in public places.”
“BSK places significant emphasis on raising public awareness about plastic waste management. It actively encourages public participation in India’s Clean India Mission. Every individual is urged to play a role. They can designate a specific pocket or compartment in their attire for managing plastic waste. Then, they can deposit it in the appropriate non-biodegradable waste bucket. Additionally, each family is encouraged to collect waste plastic generated at home and store it in a designated bucket. By participating in the BSK program, families can earn money at the rate of Rs. 10 per kg for their plastic waste.”
“In summary, Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) presents a collaborative and community-driven approach. It aims to manage plastic waste effectively. This empowers individuals and families to actively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable India.”
Nature and Role of Running Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK)
“Today, nationwide campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are actively underway across India. From the Gram Panchayat level up to the State Government, the Government of India actively participates. Therefore, running a waste management department like BSK will not be very difficult. Let us now review the role and nature of BSK at each administrative level.”
Used words and their meanings:
Gram Panchayat: Village Panchayat
Sarpanch: Head of Village
Gramsevak: Village-level government servant
Talathi: Government accountant of village
Tahasildar: Sub Divisional Magistrate
Panchayat Samiti: Panchayat Committee
Nagar Palika: Municipal Council
Zilha Parishad: Rural Local Self-Government, or District Board
Mahanagar Palika: Municipal Corporation
Role of Gram Panchayat in Plastic Waste Management
“Most of India’s population lives in its villages. The amount of plastic waste generated in villages is often relatively low. Therefore, Bharat Swachhata Kendra (BSK) will form at the Talathi-Gramsevak level within each Gram Panchayat. The Gram Panchayat will decide on a specific place or room for storing plastic waste at this local level.”
“Gram Panchayat employees will accept the plastic waste from villagers. In return, the Talathi-Gramsevaks will pay Rs. 10 per kg to the villagers. This creates a direct financial incentive for waste collection. The collected plastic waste can be processed by WPPM at Bharat Swachhata Kendra to make paver blocks, or it can be put into bags. This collected plastic will be stored throughout the year.”
“If 1 to 5 tons of waste plastic are collected, a project to build a ‘simple plastic dam’ will be set up in that same Gram Panchayat. There are many rivers, streams, and small waterways in village areas. A ‘simple plastic dam’ will be constructed where the water flow is 15 to 20 feet wide.”
“The construction process for these dams is as follows: Firstly, space is allotted for building the 15-20 feet wide plastic dam in the village area. Secondly, we use 10-feet high cement columns and plates. This is similar to how interlock plates and pillars are used to make a current boundary wall. In this way, ‘simple plastic dams’ will be constructed to dispose of non-biodegradable waste in an environmentally friendly manner.”
“Importantly, it is possible to build plastic dams in many rural areas due to the abundance of small streams and waterways. This also helps with water conservation. Ultimately, the plastic dam will play a crucial role in making villages clean and beautiful in the future.”
“Non-biodegradable waste should be collected by organizing monthly cleaning rounds through village schools. An honorarium of Rs. 10 per kg should be paid for the plastic waste collected via the Gram Panchayat. This approach creates awareness about cleanliness in students from a young age. It also helps eliminate waste in the village, reduces stress on the Gram Panchayat, and serves as an important step towards becoming a ‘Nirmal Gram’ (Clean Village). Such an idea can certainly come forward through BSK.”
“There may be challenges in many villages across India, such as a lack of proper natural, financial, or administrative environments. In such situations, these villages will collect their plastic and send it to the Taluka level. BSK will operate in a network manner. This is because some places have abundant waste plastic, while others have favorable natural conditions. Some areas offer strong public support, while others provide administrative cooperation. However, the main objective always remains to eradicate non-biodegradable waste.”
“Plastic dam projects at the village level will be constructed with the approval of the village, Talathi, Gramsevak, and Gram Sabha. The Taluka-level BSK will not interfere in these village projects. It will be mandatory for every village BSK to build a plastic dam every 2 years.”
Procedures of BSK for Taluka Level Waste Plastic Management
“The Taluka level represents a more developed and populous area compared to a Gram Panchayat. Therefore, the amount of waste generated is also higher. At this level, waste management falls under the Municipal Council. Consequently, the BSK office will be located within that Taluka’s Municipality. Its management will occur at Municipal waste depots.”
“The Municipal Council will collect waste plastic within its limits. In return, the price for this plastic will be Rs. 10 per kg, calculated by weight. All collected plastic waste will be taken to the depot and deposited at BSK’s plastic waste treatment plant. Recyclable plastic will be processed there. Non-recyclable plastic and other non-biodegradable components will be baled using a hydraulic press machine and stored in a specific shed.”
“Once the Tehsildar selects a dam construction site in that Taluka, the combined plastic will be used for plastic dam construction. In this way, non-biodegradable waste will be composted and used for agriculture. At the Taluka level, Municipalities will oversee the work of BSK. The Tehsildar will serve as their president. It is mandatory for a Municipality to build at least two plastic dams per year.”
“The Panchayat Samiti will review and monitor BSK’s work in all villages within that Taluka. However, they will not interfere with village-level projects. Municipalities at the Taluka level will primarily collect plastic waste. The construction of plastic dams will be managed through the irrigation department, operating under the Panchayat Samiti.”
BSK Procedures for District Level Waste Management
“Districts are often developed and populous, generating a large amount of plastic waste and non-biodegradable waste. This waste often mixes with biodegradable waste, forming large heaps, like the example of the Ghazipur landfill. Therefore, effective plastic waste management at the district level is very important. BSK aims to bring about a radical change in waste management at this level.”
“Waste in the district will be consolidated. This involves cooperation from Municipal Corporations and individuals. City residents will be encouraged not to throw out plastic due to its inherent value. They will receive a token at Rs. 10 per kg for waste plastic they provide. After depositing the token at the BSK office in the corporation, people can get financial benefit at the same rate. Corporation vehicles will work to collect only waste plastics in the city. These vehicles will then take the waste plastic to the Municipal landfill.”
“At the Municipal landfill, the waste plastic will be recycled. This includes shredding plastics for use in plastic rods, making fuel from plastics, using Injection molding machines, and employing WPPM technology. Proper recycling of waste plastic will occur at this location. Non-recyclable waste plastic will be compressed and baled using a hydraulic press machine. After consolidating the city’s plastic through the corporation, work will proceed with the irrigation dam under the Zilla Parishad. The collected plastics will be disposed of through a plastic dam. Thus, water circulation work will also benefit.”
“The District BSK will be chaired by the District Collector. The city’s plastic waste collection will be done through the corporation. BSK will have an office at the Corporation’s premises. The recycling of plastic waste at Municipal waste depots can also be made available to the public in the form of tenders. The District Collector will have the right to decide on this. This way, BSK will start generating jobs specifically for plastic elimination.”
State Level BSK: Collaboration for Waste Management
“The State Level BSK will be formed through joint discussions between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Water Irrigation. BSK’s Department will operate under the Department of Environment. The Ministry will provide crucial financial support for non-biodegradable waste management across the state.”
“The irrigation ministry of that state will determine funds for constructing regular and prime type plastic dams. This decision will be based on the details of non-biodegradable waste management and recycling management received from each district. In this way, each state government will ensure the work of plastic waste management and water conservation is effectively managed.”
Procedures of BSK Department at Country Level
“Waste management, water conservation, and empowerment are major issues for India. The Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP) will be instrumental in bringing about positive change across the nation. At the national level, the BSK department will operate through a joint exchange of views between the Environment Ministry and the Water Irrigation Ministry.”
“Funding for each state will be determined by the BSK at the Center. This decision will consider the frequency rate of waste collection and plastic dam construction data received from each state’s BSK Department. Furthermore, each state’s Environment Ministry will determine its funds based on the provided data for non-biodegradable waste collection and recycling.”
“According to the waste collection data for non-recyclable non-biodegradable waste, the Ministry of Water Irrigation will approve plastic dams for the respective states. In this way, there will be extensive work in waste management, water conservation, and empowerment generation throughout the country.”