Giridih Administration Charts Strategy for Plastic-Free Parasnath Hill and Enhanced Waste Management
The Giridih district administration convened a crucial meeting on Monday to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at declaring Parasnath Hill, also revered as Marang Buru, a single-use plastic-free zone. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen waste management systems in the Madhuban pilgrimage area, ensuring environmental sustainability and improved hygiene for visitors and residents alike.
Key Proposals and Infrastructure Development
During the meeting, Giridih Deputy Development Commissioner Smrita Kumari outlined several key proposals. The primary focus is on ensuring the smooth operation of a plastics waste management unit (PWMU) and developing climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. These measures are being implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase-II, reflecting the administration's commitment to national cleanliness goals.
Kumari emphasized the importance of directing hotels and dharamshalas in the area to install sewage treatment plants. This directive aims to prevent the direct discharge of effluents into nearby rivers and ponds, thereby protecting local water bodies from pollution. Additionally, hotels have been instructed to curb the dumping of waste around Parasnath Hill, with plans for constructing public toilets for tourists being thoroughly reviewed to enhance visitor convenience and sanitation.
Implementation and Awareness Initiatives
To support these efforts, a bottle bank has already been installed at Madhuban to facilitate the collection of plastic bottles, promoting recycling and proper waste disposal. The administration has also approved training programmes for sanitation workers and kitchen staff, focusing on the effective operation of the PWMU. These training sessions are designed to build local capacity and ensure the long-term success of waste management initiatives.
Furthermore, an awareness drive is set to be launched across Parasnath Hill and Madhuban. This campaign will educate pilgrims, tourists, and local communities about the importance of eliminating single-use plastics, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. By combining infrastructure development with community engagement, the Giridih administration aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable pilgrimage destination that aligns with broader environmental conservation goals.
