Plastic Bank Project Completes a Year: Big Talks, Bigger Plans for Plastic-Free Uttarakhand
Dehradun: A year into the ambitious Plastic Bank Project by Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation, the movement to tackle Uttarakhand’s plastic menace gained fresh momentum with a big event at their Plastic Waste Segregation and Learning Center in Mehuwala.
The program wasn’t just another gathering—it brought together heavyweights from government departments, scientists, and environmentalists, all brainstorming on managing plastic waste and curbing its environmental impact.
Dr. Sanat Kumar from CSIR-IIP dropped some serious knowledge about turning plastic into diesel, highlighting the collaboration between the IIP’s Plastic-to-Diesel Lab Project and the Plastic Bank initiative. He called it a win-win for innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Ankur Kansal of the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board didn’t hold back on the grim environmental impacts of plastic waste but was quick to laud the Plastic Bank Project for its tangible efforts, especially in the hill regions. He stressed the joint role of his board and SDC in making strides on this front.
From the Food and Drug Administration, Deputy Commissioner Tajbar Singh Jaggi promised all-out support to SDC, aiming to take the Plastic Bank initiative into Uttarakhand’s pharmacy sector.
The Dehradun Municipal Corporation is also jumping on board. Sanitation Inspector Rajesh Bahuguna announced plans to set up more plastic banks in Dehradun with SDC’s help, taking the project’s reach to the next level.
Meanwhile, CSIR-IIP’s Dr. Neeraj Atrey and Food Safety Deputy Commissioner Ganesh Kandwal dove into the Repurposed Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) mission, presenting innovative solutions to reduce waste and create sustainable alternatives.
The guest list had no shortage of big names:
Dr. Pariva Dobriyal from WII
Ajay Dabral from Mandi Parishad
Narendra Kumar from Dehradun Cantonment Board
Nidhi Thapliyal from the Horticulture Department
Tribhuvan Sanwal, representing the Indian Army’s sanitation wing
Dr. Bopanna from WWF
Each brought their perspective to the table, fueling discussions on action plans for a cleaner Uttarakhand.
SDC Foundation’s Anoop Nautiyal, the driving force behind the Plastic Bank Project, stole the show with his vision of a sustainable future. "We’ve made progress, but the journey is long. Together, we can achieve cleaner development for Uttarakhand," he said, thanking the diverse crowd for their support.
The program had its share of on-ground stars too—Prerna Raturi and Dinesh Chandra ensured the event flowed seamlessly. Familiar local faces like Akhilesh Verma, Ayush Joshi, and Praveen Upreti were also spotted, proving that community support remains the backbone of this initiative.
With more plastic banks in the pipeline and a committed team, SDC’s Plastic Bank Project is clearly gearing up to make an even bigger impact in the fight against plastic pollution.
