First Military Station with Plastic Waste Road
The first military station to feature a plastic trash road was Narangi Military Station in Guwahati, Assam, which was completed in 2019.Government Policy for Plastic Waste Roads
To combat the growing plastic waste problem, the Indian government permitted the use of plastic trash in the construction of national highways as a trial project in 2015. By 2017, the government has allowed the mixing of 10% plastic trash with hot bitumen for road building. In 2023, it will be necessary to use plastic garbage in the building and maintenance of service roads on national highways within a 50-kilometer radius in urban-rural regions with populations of five lakh or more.Benefits of Plastic Waste Roads:
Plastic waste roads use 15% less coal tar and are more durable, lasting 10 years instead of five years. Because of plastic's water-resistant qualities, these roads do not develop potholes, which are a major problem with traditional roads where rainfall seeps in and causes damage.
Environmental Impact
Using plastic trash in road building helps to reduce pollution. Discarded plastics, if not reused, harm the environment or emit air pollutants when burnt. Plastics in agricultural areas can inhibit seed germination and limit rainwater absorption, while animals might choke and die after consuming plastic bags found in rubbish.
Pioneer of Plastic Roads
Professor Rajagopalan Vasudevan of Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai devised and copyrighted the method for employing plastic garbage in road building. His process entails combining plastic garbage with hot bitumen and then applying the resulting slurry on road stones. Professor Vasudevan, often known as the Plastic Man of India, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018.
Success Stories.
Cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Jamshedpur, Pune, Indore, and Lucknow have used this approach to produce plastic trash roads that have shown to be more durable and eco-friendly. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) audit revealed that roads constructed using plastic garbage did not develop potholes, rutting, or ravelling even after four years.
Jaipur Military Station Key Points
Second Military Station: The Jaipur Military Station is the second in India to have a road built of plastic trash.
The plastic trash route was opened on June 26, 2024, by Major General R.S. Godara.
Road Details: The road is 100 meters long and connects Sagat Singh Road under bridge to Cubs Corner Complex.
Sustainability: Built under the Indian Army's green policy by GE (South), CE Jaipur Zone, and Deep Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
Durability: Plastic waste roads are more robust, reducing wear and tear, resisting water damage, and improving sustainability.
The Narangi Military Station in Guwahati, Assam was the first to establish a plastic trash road in 2019.