Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley, faced with the challenge of increasing tourist footfalls and the resultant increase in plastic waste, kicked off a Plastic Free Ziro project. It aimed at eliminating plastic waste through a community-based effort to get things done without imposing penalties or any coercive action. Vivek HP, Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri (IAS, 2016 batch AGMUT cadre) lead the local self-help groups, bazar committees and shop owners to reduce plastic waste through a time-bound process.
Replacing single-use plastic bags with handy cloth bags was the initial step. The administration distributed cloth bags free initially, before charging a subsided rate. The preparation of these bags, carrying tribal designs reflecting Ziro heritage, was handed over to local SHGs (around 3,100 women). Many of these women were skilled in agriculture and garment-making.
Space was allotted by converting an unused school building, with extra facilities added like a creche for infants and healthcare centre, an inclusive and beneficial space for women. The project served a dual purpose, encouraging environment friendly methods and create employment for women.
The NGOs in this district, student unions and schools were tapped to increase awareness about cloth bags in place of plastic, with children convincing their families to support the initiative. Home to the Apatani tribe, Ziro is a scenic place with terraced fields and famous for organic, sustainable farming method… paddy-cum-fish culture (fish farming with paddy cultivation to reduce need for inorganic pesticides).
