Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards sustainable urban infrastructure, the Odisha government has decided to utilise plastic waste for road construction across urban areas of the state, including Bhubaneswar.
The decision was taken during a high-level
meeting chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban
Development Department. Padhee stressed the importance of adopting sustainable
and environment-friendly practices in infrastructure development, particularly
in urban regions.
According to officials, plastic waste —
especially from bottles, carry bags, and similar items — can be shredded and
blended with heated bitumen for constructing roads. The technique not only enhances
road durability and quality but also serves as an effective solution for
plastic waste management.
“The initiative is expected to significantly
reduce environmental pollution while promoting a circular economy,” an official
statement said.
The green method is already being successfully
implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Odisha is
now exploring similar models to align with its commitment to a pollution-free
and sustainable environment.
The meeting concluded with a consensus to launch pilot projects across select locations. It was also decided that various departments, urban local bodies (ULBs), and technical experts will work in close coordination to implement the initiative effectively.