Member of Parliament Mahesh Poddar today said that junk can be a means to strengthen country's economy. “At present, only 5.5 million tonnes i.e. 60 per cent of the total plastic waste is recycled in our country. We have to take such measures so that the remaining 40 per cent of the plastic can be recycled.
Likewise, only 40–45 per cent of ferrous metals can be recycle, we have to ensure that we recycle 100 per cent of the waste generated,” he said addressing the 7th Conference of the Material Recycling Association of India #MRAI held in Gurgaon on "Responsible Recycling for Nation Building".
Poddar said that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned "Poddar" in order of discussion of Harappan culture in the Budget speech, calling them to convert metal into fund. In the 21st century, we can all become poddars, recycle waste and increase the revenue of the country.
He said that India's recycling industry currently adds a value of Rs 12 lakh crore to the economy. This means that it contributes about 5 per cent to India's total GDP, generates over 50 million jobs and greenhouse gas emissions Reduces by more than 23 per cent. Recycling provides employment to the lowest strata of society, mostly in the unorganized sector.
Poddar said, “Around us there are garbage pickers or small scale businessmen; we should be grateful to them. It is a different matter that we often ignore them. These are in fact the most important contributors to the recycling series.
After this, local bodies have a role to recycle various types of waste. The topmost link to this important series is some bodies like MRAI, which promote and promote awareness about recycling in India.”
In his address, Poddar stated the need for a body at the national level which can advise and advise the policy, programs, targets and operations in relation to waste management and recycling to the Central and various state governments and the implementation of the current legislations.
Poddar has also introduced a private member bill in the House titled "National Council for Waste Management Bill 2020" while proposing the establishment of such a body.Poddar also thanked the Minister of State for Shipping, Mansukh Mandavia for the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. India is the global hub of the ship recycling industry with a share of over 33 per cent and because of this the act was long needed.
With the passage of this act, India will now follow the Hong Kong Convention which complies with aspects related to the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling of vessels.
