The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is revisiting a decade-old initiative: incorporating plastic waste into road construction.
This move aligns with the global ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’ campaign and is timed ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. The AMC plans to test the use of single-use and multi-layer plastics in asphalt, aiming to reduce plastic waste and enhance road durability. Municipal engineers have been instructed to conduct trials to assess the feasibility and benefits of this approach. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address plastic pollution in the city. The AMC has introduced several measures, including stricter enforcement of the plastic ban at the ward level and public awareness campaigns promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, glass bottles, and recyclable containers.
Additionally, the AMC is setting up bottle banks to collect empty cold drink and mineral water bottles, offering incentives for citizens who deposit them. A campaign for solid waste segregation is also underway, accompanied by strict fines for littering in public spaces. Educational seminars and essay competitions are being organized in schools to raise awareness about the dangers of single-use plastic. Tree planting programs will be held to celebrate World Environment Day, and regular inspections at bus terminals will ensure compliance with the plastic ban. Despite a five-year-old ban on plastic bags below 120 microns, single-use plastic continues to be a significant challenge. The AMC hopes that these renewed efforts will lead to visible progress in reducing plastic waste in both streets and landfills.
The use of plastic waste in road construction has been shown to increase the durability and lifespan of roads. According to experts, roads constructed with plastic-infused asphalt can last up to 10 years, compared to the usual 5-6 years for conventional roads. The plastic mix also helps prevent potholes and cracks, making roads more resilient to weather conditions. This initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also contributes to building sustainable infrastructure in the city. By repurposing plastic waste, the AMC is taking a significant step towards creating a more eco-friendly and resilient urban environment.
As the AMC moves forward with this plan, it will be crucial to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and ensure that they lead to tangible improvements in both waste management and road quality. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.
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