GHMC launches ‘Black Bag’ campaign

GHMC has initiated a novel programme in the city to drastically cut down the use of plastic. Titled ‘Black Bag Campaign’, the authorities would prominently display the plastic waste collected from a colony or slum in black-coloured plastic bags. This is to make the residents aware about how much plastic waste is generated in their habitation, GHMC Commissioner B. Janardhan Reddy informed.

The campaign has already been carried out in some locations including Bhagyalatha Colony in Hayatnagar circle, Mylardevunipally in Rajendranagar circle and Indiranagar of Saroornagar circle. About 492 kg of plastic waste was collected in Bhagyalatha Colony in 82 black bags, and through the sale of plastic waste in Mylardevunipally, each sanitation worker earned an additional income of ₹150-₹350.

The city is estimated to generate more than 1700 metric tonnes of waste per day, of which 25% is plastic waste, which is hazardous to the environment. The plastic waste is further found in vacant plots as well as by the roadside, complicating the collection process, a statement from GHMC said.

Apart from sanitation workers of the corporation, NGO representatives, colony welfare associations and public representatives will take part in this initiative.