NDA lost the track of plastic roads

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.