Uttar Pradesh (UP) Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has decided to put into practice Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call to eliminate single-use plastic. On Wednesday, the former said that the state's Public Works Department (PWD) would use plastic waste in the construction of roads in five cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut, and Agra. Earlier in the day, PM Modi highlighted the negative impact of single-use plastic. He was addressing a ceremony to inaugurate the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), 'Swachhata Hi Seva' initiative as well as the National Artificial Insemination Programme in Mathura, UP. 

Read: PM Modi Helps Ragpickers; Gives Message To Reduce Plastic Usage

PM highlights the menace of single-use plastic 

Dignitaries like UP CM  Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Giriraj Singh and Mathura Member of Parliament Hema Malini were present on the occasion. Talking to the residents of Mathura, PM Modi said that the problem of plastic was growing every day. He remarked that the audience was extremely aware that plastic was a major factor in the death of animals. The PM observed that other species like fish living in lakes, ponds, and rivers were at high risk after consuming plastic.  

Read: PM Modi Goes To War Against Single-use Plastics, Makes Strong Appeal

Appeal to the people of India 

PM Modi requested everyone to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. He also urged the traders to use very less plastic for packaging. The PM opined that protecting the environment was everyone’s responsibility. He appealed to self-help groups, the civil society, social organizations, youth associations, women advocacy groups, clubs, schools and colleges, government and private sector organizations to join the initiative in eliminating single-use plastic.  

Read: PM Modi Launches National Animal Disease Control Programme In Mathura

Odisha follow suit 

On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy asked the Works Department to create guidelines for constructing roads using plastic waste. He directed the Chief Engineer of the Department to ascertain the quantum of plastic to be used in the construction of roads on an annual basis in a meeting held at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. A decision was taken to train the youth to establish units to process plastic waste. Tripathy further instructed the concerned officers to bring the usage of plastic bags and bottles under control.  

Read: PM Modi Launches NADCP, Announces Vaccination Drive For Livestock