Now, Ragpickers to be Recognized with National Awards

Soon, waste collectors and agencies will get much-needed recognition of the national award for their incredible services. The winners will also get Rs. 1.5 lakh cash prize each!

Ragpickers play a crucial role in keeping our country clean and soon their efforts will be recognized by the government who will be rewarding them with a national award for their incredible contribution.

The national award will be given to three best rag pickers and three associations. The winners will also get a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh each.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the news at an event in Delhi where he said that millions of waste collectors in the country are doing an incredible job and their efforts should be recognized.

He also made the suggestion to set up a credible agency along the lines of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) that can guide municipal bodies to take measures in addressing waste management in a scientific way.

To improve the quality of waste management, every village with a population of over 5,000 will have a waste treatment plant.

Javadekar also pointed out that there are enough funds for waste management; all the country needs is a scientific way to treat waste.

New rules on waste management will be in action from August end after the public’s response. In a country which produces 62 million tonnes of waste annually, out of which 68 per cent of waste and sewage is not treated in the country at present, there is an urgent need to look into the matter. The minister also worried about the fact that the waste generation is expected to increase to 165 million tonnes by 2030 and 450 million tonnes by 2050.

The national award will give a much required boost to those waste warriors who are helping in keeping the country clean.

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