In an effort to keep the Ganga River clean and undefiled, ZillaParishad of Howrah district in West Bengal organized a 18 Ganga plastic removal project on the Gram Panchayats border (GPs) with the support of local Panchayat Samitis communities and the GP. The move taken in April 2022 is in line with Phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) to ensure ODF sustainability and visible cleanliness through solid waste and liquid waste (SLWM).
In addition to the State intervention, Howrah ZillaParishad and all the Blocks along the Ganga River and their doctors have come forward to keep the holy river clean and undamaged with the support of a community-based organization – Aamra Susana Jalaprapat.
The objectives of this program
Restoration of bio-diversity where fish, reptiles, dolphins and other river animals are protected and conserved, underwater / aquatic protection and bio-diversity, Ensuring the Ganga remains clean while providing clean water for agricultural purposes, improving river flow by maintaining the depth of the river, Improving the lives of communities in the areas around the Ganga
Important interventions
In an effort to achieve the above goals, Howrah ZillaParishad introduced SLWM and plastic removal programs to GPs, the latest with SHG support from 18 nearby Ganga doctors in Howrah at 3 Blocks of Sankrail (Towns: Banupur – I, Banupur-II, Sankrail, DakshinSankrail, Raghudevbati, Sarenga, Manikpur, Jhorehat, Panchpara, Thanamakua); Luberia-1 (Villages: Dhulashimla, Heerapur, Kalinagar); and Shampur-1 (Villages: Baneswarpur-I, Baneswarpur-II, Belari, Dingakhola, Nabagram).
Progress made so far
Various initiatives were launched during a previous workshop held at Block level to raise awareness of the interventions taken by Howrah ZillaParishad. The following activities have been released so far. As workshops were held for 18 doctors, 180 meetings with 5482 SHG members to educate on plastic removal in the Ganga area, 36 meetings with 756 members of market committees and shop owners, Installation of plastic bags 36 permanent waste collection boxes, Installation of 54 permanent display boards in Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2021 in public places, 9.32 MT registered plastic, Development of a permanent network for regular plastic disposal and SHGs Sangha operations in progress
Public Participation: The enthusiasm and voluntary participation of a large number of elected PRI representatives, panchayat staff, rural communities, members of the Self-Help Groups, and market vendors in launching the program in GP areas near Ganga. SHG engagement throughout the program was truly commendable. The program was well received by the locals and applauded the initiative of Howrah ZillaParishad. In this step, a sustainable plan will be developed to make medical facilities free of charge for free medical advice with the regular advice of team members.
Continued efforts to change human behavior will be taken to prevent people from dumping plastic waste everywhere and other household waste. Local doctors will play a key role in leading this process which can be crucial in keeping the Ganga River clean and healthy on the river bank healthy and safe.
