Gujarat : Sustainable Initiative Under ‘Vikas Saptah’ Celebrations

Gujarat : Sustainable Initiative Under Vikas Saptah Celebrations

ISHA SHARMA

The Gujarat government recently approved a scheme to use plastic waste in the construction and maintenance of roads throughout the state, marking an important milestone towards sustainability.

This ecologic strategy will improve road durability and lower plastic pollution. By integrating plastic into road infrastructure, the state complies with international sustainability standards, transforming waste into a useful resource for growth.

What is the initiative all about?

With regard to Gujarat’s ‘Vikas Saptah’ celebrations, the state government allocated Rs 112.5 crore for the reconstruction and improvement of 13 highways, covering 105 kilometres.

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However, the approach used in this project—integrating plastic waste into the road-building process—makes it remarkable. Although adding plastic to the bitumen mix for roads is nothing new, it has gained significant attention because it addresses plastic pollution and extends the lifespan of roadways. 

In addition, 93 kilometres of heavily travelled, wet roads will be transformed into durable cement concrete (CC) roads with an estimated state budget of Rs 300.57 crore.

Despite the simplicity of its structure, the use of plastic in road construction signals an important shift towards sustainability. This method of recycling successfully turns hazardous pollution into a resource, addressing two important problems at once: road durability and plastic waste management.

The Relationship Between Sustainable Development and Plastic Waste

Using plastic waste in road construction resolves some social and environmental issues, which greatly promotes sustainable development. Some of this initiative’s primary benefits are listed below:

1. One of the biggest environmental concerns in the global community today is plastic waste. The government is actively working to minimise the quantity of plastic that ends up in landfills, the ocean, and other ecosystems by putting plastic waste into road construction. This avoids the negative effects of plastic on wildlife and marine life in addition to solving the waste management issue.

An estimated 25,940 tons of plastic trash is generated every day in India only. By turning non-biodegradable garbage into a valuable resource, this project works to mitigate toxicity. Better waste segregation and recycling methods are also promoted by this approach, thereby encouraging a circular economy.

2. Plastic has been shown to increase the durability of roads when added to asphalt mixtures. Particularly in places that have a lot of rainfall and temperature swings, plastic makes roadways more weatherproof. According to experts, roads made from plastic waste are less likely to break down or develop potholes, requiring fewer repairs and upkeep over time.

This reduces future expenditures by allowing roads to survive longer and require less maintenance. Road life expectancy is increased by up to 50%, which makes it a financially sensible decision for the state government.

3. Bitumen is a major component of traditional road construction and is produced using fossil fuels. Bitumen demand is decreased and fossil fuel use is lowered by combining plastic with bitumen. In addition to preserving natural resources, this reduces greenhouse gas emissions throughout the manufacturing process, assisting in the greater campaign against climate change.

Additionally, plastic roads are more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient to create than traditional methods because they use less energy.

Gujarat Government’s Vision for Sustainable Infrastructure

Gujarat’s initiative to construct roads out of plastic waste is an arm of an overall effort to support environmentally friendly development. The state continues to set a benchmark and reveal how green technologies can be used to solve shortcomings in infrastructure by transforming waste management into a profitable venture.

Installing cement concrete (CC) roads to avoid water logging during monsoon seasons is another manifestation of the state’s dedication to sustainability. By making these adaptations, Gujarat’s road system will be more able to resist the impacts of climate change and overcome extreme weather conditions without causing significant damage.

Furthermore, the state’s commitment to implementing sustainable practices into its growth plan has been shown with the infrastructure projects that have been allocated funds. India’s national ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is in line with this, especially when it comes to clean energy, industry innovation, and responsible consumerism.

The Gujarat government’s initiative is strongly associated with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9  (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production. The state encourages sustainable patterns of production and consumption while developing innovation in infrastructure through the use of plastic waste in road construction.

Moreover, preventing plastic pollution contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by minimising the amount of plastic waste that enters seas and harms marine ecosystems. Through the prevention of land pollution brought on by inappropriate plastic disposal, it also targets SDG 15 (Life on Land).

In summary, Gujarat’s initiative of constructing roads using plastic waste is a courageous move in the direction of sustainability. It guarantees improved infrastructure, cost savings, and long-term economic gains in addition to addressing urgent environmental challenges. The state is establishing a standard for sustainable development in India as well as globally by adopting such environmentally friendly approaches.

Plastic roads could become a global solution for sustainable infrastructure if the project is successful and encourages other nations and governments to take the same actions. Additionally, this project leads the way for other creative uses of waste materials in public projects, advancing a future in which environmental preservation and infrastructural development coexist.

Isha Sharma: A journalism student from Gujrat. Isha combine her passion for storytelling with a live for travel, constantly seeking to uncover new faccets of society.

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