Looking for Doable Solutions in Circularity
Outlook Business|June 2023
Tamil Nadu explores the use of novel means like vending machines dispensing cloth bags and online waste exchange platform to fight plastic pollution, says Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change & Forests
Looking for Doable Solutions in Circularity

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The saying holds true in the case of plastic pollution for Supriya Sahu, an IAS officer. As a collector in early 2000, she successfully led a campaign for plastic-free Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. Today, more than two decades later, she is again leading the charge against plastic pollution in the entire state. In an interview with Rajiv Tikoo, she talks about what motivated her then, particularly in the absence of laws, and what keeps her going today with the help of technological innovations that can serve as examples for adoption by other states. Edited excerpts:

When you, as a collector, successfully led a campaign for plastic-free Nilgiris in early 2000, you were probably ahead of the times. What was the trigger?

Disturbing visuals of the post-mortem of cattle and elephants, establishing the bitter fact that animals were feeding on plastic, were the prime triggers for the campaign. With water bodies being choked with plastic, the situation was such that I could almost visualise a scenario of death by plastic, and it hit me very hard. It got me thinking about the future of our beautiful district and we decided to act on it.

We were indeed ahead of the times. We neither had any plastic ban notifications, nor any guidelines for reference. We realised that to do something we had to bring together local communities, especially Panchayats and municipalities. Back then it was easier to convince Gram Sabhas as well as municipalities to pass resolutions to ban plastics.

What were the major issues then and how did you address these?

The major threats were plastic bags, plates and disposable cups and we targeted these three items specifically, and then figured out solutions for an alternatives for the banned plastic items.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2023-Ausgabe von Outlook Business.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2023-Ausgabe von Outlook Business.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS OUTLOOK BUSINESSAlle anzeigen
The New Imperialism
Outlook Business

The New Imperialism

The EU has approved a new environmental regulation that will impact global value chains. Small businesses will have to bear the brunt

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
VISION FOR THE INDIA OF 2047
Outlook Business

VISION FOR THE INDIA OF 2047

In India@100, Krishnamurthy Subramanian argues that India can be a 55trn economy by 2047 if it doubles down on the economic policies implemented in the last decade to grow at 8% annually. Although middle-income trap has plagued many developing countries in the past, he is convinced that India is well-equipped to avoid obstacles in its growth odyssey

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024
BUSINESS MINT: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, ONE AWARD AT A TIME
Outlook Business

BUSINESS MINT: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE, ONE AWARD AT A TIME

Ensuring that Firms and Entrepreneurs Receive the Recognition they Deserve since 2018

time-read
3 Minuten  |
October 2024
DR. PAVANI KADIYALA: DRIVING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN EMERGING INDUSTRIES
Outlook Business

DR. PAVANI KADIYALA: DRIVING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN EMERGING INDUSTRIES

Celebrating Dr. Pavani Kadiyala's Accolades and Contributions to Emerging Technologies

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE: THE JOURNEY OF NALANDA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
Outlook Business

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE: THE JOURNEY OF NALANDA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

Honoring the Vision of Sri Manthena Suryanarayana Raju Through Innovation and Holistic Development

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
THE RISE OF VARUN REALTORS
Outlook Business

THE RISE OF VARUN REALTORS

Leading the Charge: Varun Kaliga Named Emerging Real Estate Influencer of the Year for Innovative Impact

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
R.C. RATUL: BRIDGING THE WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND REAL ESTATE
Outlook Business

R.C. RATUL: BRIDGING THE WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND REAL ESTATE

The Visionary Behind the Convergence of Entertainment and Real Estate

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
CYBERABAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: LEADING THE CHARGE IN SHAPING
Outlook Business

CYBERABAD BUILDERS ASSOCIATION: LEADING THE CHARGE IN SHAPING

Recognized as the Emerging Builders Association of the Year 2024,’ CBA is setting new benchmarks in real estate and construction excellence in the heart of Hyderabad.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
FROM PAPERBOY TO POWERHOUSE: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF VENU KALYAN
Outlook Business

FROM PAPERBOY TO POWERHOUSE: THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF VENU KALYAN

Celebrated with the Most Admired Real Estate Sales Coach of the Year 2024’ Award for Transformative Impact and Innovative Coaching

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
OUTLINE MEDIA: SHAPING TOMORROW'S BRANDING AND ADVERTISING TODAY
Outlook Business

OUTLINE MEDIA: SHAPING TOMORROW'S BRANDING AND ADVERTISING TODAY

Redefining Branding and Advertising

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024