by Iqra Akhoon
SRINAGAR: In the picturesque district of Kulgam in Kashmir, Tariq Ahmad Ganai has emerged as a trailblazer, turning plastic waste into a flourishing enterprise that not only addresses environmental concerns but also generates economic opportunities. His innovative recycling unit, spanning the entire district, employs specialised machinery to compress plastic waste into vibrant chips, which find their way to states like Odisha and Delhi, contributing to a nationwide effort to combat plastic pollution.
Tariq’s operation is not just about processing plastic; it is a community-driven initiative. Encouraging locals to actively participate, he has created a system where individuals can contribute non-biodegradable materials to his unit. In return, fair compensation is provided, instilling a shared sense of responsibility for environmental conservation. The unit, manned by a dedicated team of 40 workers, efficiently navigates door-to-door collections with a fleet of load carriers, ensuring a systematic and thorough approach to waste collection.
Tariq’s journey is marked by resilience and determination. His education halted in the fourth grade when he faced the responsibility of supporting his family after his father’s death. He moved to Delhi where he worked as a labourer, collecting plastic to make ends meet. Yet adversity became his teacher, and he absorbed valuable lessons about the plastic recycling trade during those challenging days in Delhi. Tariq returned home with a fervour to establish his venture, turning his past hardships into the building blocks of a successful enterprise.
Having earned recognition from the MSME government of India and securing financial backing from the Jammu and Kashmir Bank through a well-utilised loan, Tariq has not only sustained but expanded his plastic recycling endeavour. His story is one of resilience and determination, showcasing the potential for grassroots initiatives to tackle environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Tariq voices a sense of disappointment regarding the lack of government support. In an exclusive interaction, he bemoans the solitary nature of his journey, emphasising that every step, from establishing the unit to its day-to-day operations, has been a solo effort.
Tariq’s narrative serves as a powerful testament to the untapped potential for sustainable development in remote regions. As his plastic recycling venture thrives, it exemplifies how individual determination, even in the heart of Kashmir, can illuminate the path towards a more environmentally conscious and economically viable future. His story encourages a broader conversation on the role of grassroots initiatives in mitigating global challenges and underscores the need for greater governmental support for such endeavours.
