PM Modi highlights Bihar’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative, urges citizens to choose eco

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted an innovative plastic recycling initiative in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district and renewed his appeal to citizens to opt for eco-friendly clay idols during Ganesh Utsav, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Addressing the nation during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said plastic pollution remains a major global environmental challenge and praised the “Waste to Wealth” model developed in Sitamarhi.

PM Modi said, “We all know that plastic pollution poses a major challenge to the global environment today. Waste from single-use plastic continues to harm nature for years; therefore, proper disposal of plastic is crucial. Friends, a magnificent example of ‘Waste to Wealth’ has emerged from Sitamarhi in Bihar. Here, waste is being recycled to create attractive benches. About 40 kilograms of single-use plastic are consumed to make one bench. These benches are not only strong, durable, and comfortable but also eco-friendly. They are installed in government schools, parks, and public spaces.”

“This initiative is also raising awareness among people about environmental conservation. Both local bodies and the district administration play a vital role in this effort. That’s also generating local employment opportunities. This initiative in Sitamarhi shows us that ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ is no longer just a slogan but is becoming a part of our lives,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the initiative demonstrated how effective waste management could simultaneously protect the environment, create public infrastructure and generate employment opportunities.

Referring to his appeal in the previous episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi once again urged people to celebrate Ganesh Utsav by installing idols made from indigenous clay instead of plaster of Paris (POP) or imported idols.

He said, “You might recall that in the last episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I had spoken of ‘Ganesh Utsav’. I had urged everyone to worship idols of Ganesha ji made from our country’s own clay. Instead of Ganesh ji made of POP or those imported from abroad, we should install Ganesh ji made from indigenous soil in our homes. Many people have sent me messages and shared their thoughts on this subject. People have told me that they have heeded my request. They have resolved to install idols of Ganesha ji made from local clay. People have written in to say that this topic was previously discussed in ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ and that it helped them take the right steps at the right time.”

“I reiterate my appeal: this time, for Ganpati Puja, install an idol of Ganesha ji made from the soil of our own land in your home and worship it. This effort of yours will, in a way, be a form of worshipping nature itself,” PM Modi said.