 |
| R.Vasudevan in front of polymerized asphalt road |
NDA lost the track of plastic roads
The biggest menace that the world opened to, is the
hazards of plastic waste. Globally,8,300 million tonnes of virgin plastics have
been produced as of 2017. Of this, around 9% have been recycled and 12%
incinerated. Remaining 79% have found its way into land fills and natural
environment. It is a harsh reality. R.Vasudevan, Dean, Thiagarajar College of
Engineering, Madurai came with an innovative model to utilize the plastic for
road construction in 2001. He patented it, experimented and proved. Yet, the
Governments, both central and states except Tamil Nadu, didn’t shown any
interest in it. A cruelty towards an innovator, to the Nature and to the
people. Praising and giving awards are very easy job. All including Prime
Minister praised him and President of India has given Padmashri last year, but that doesn’t satisfy an
innovator.
The technology is cost effective, environment
friendly and long lasting. One tonne of plastic waste mixed with nine tonnes of
bitumen is needed to lay one kilometer of road. Here, PWD can save one tonne of
bitumen and Nature will be free from equal amount of plastic. The road built
with polymerized asphalt last longer, with out wear and tear and potholes.
Normal asphalt roads survive for three years, but polymerized roads longevity is
seven years.
An estimated 15,000 tonnes of plastic waste is
generated in India every day. A wise decision and its implementation should
have saved the Earth and Water a lot. Instead of quarrelling for insignificant
issues , why can’t our politicians sit together in Lok sabha and Rajya sabha
and issue an order in this count?
All this points to illicit relations between
contractors, engineers and the politicians. All need money. They never kill the
goose that lays the golden eggs. A bold decision from the Government only can
save such a situation. We expected that from NDA, but Government pumped money
for popular projects like “Swatch Bharath” and “Operation
Clean Ganga”, both failed in many counts. Creative innovations were placed in
the back bench.
If the central and state Governments are sincere to
curb the menace of plastic , they can do two things, support shredded plastic
making units in all cities, big and small towns under women self help groups and
link them with PWD. Ensure all roads will be made with polymerized asphalt. At
least, at the fag end of the Government, make a very creative decision to save
the environment.
