Women cycle miles to curb plastic pollution
1
2
Ranchi: A group of women, all members of self-help groups (SHGs) in two panchayats of Ormanjhi block on the outskirts of Ranchi district, pedal several kilometres every day to collect dry and plastic waste from at least 700-800 households in nine villages.
They transport it to waste segregation centres with the sole goal of stopping the plastic pollution menace in their villages.
The women brigade, roped in for waste collection by the Swachh Bharat Mission, Grameen (SBM-G) under the state drinking water and sanitation department, collects plastic bottles, papers, glass, metals, and other dry waste from the households. After segregating the waste at sheds, they sell the waste to a material recovery facility (MRF) set up in the Barwe panchayat of Ormanjhi.
The SHG members, who did not have any sustainable source of income, are now earning a modest sum by selling the waste, along with promoting cleanliness in the villages.
Poornima Devi, a Safai Mitra from Dahu village, said that she visits approximately 250–300 households each day, collecting 20–30 kg of dry waste. "I drive my tricycle-rickshaw across a 9.2 km route every day, ensuring the collected waste reaches the Barwe panchayat collection centre for further processing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Soluções confiáveis para centros de dados IA
Siemens Energy
Read More
Undo
I earn Rs 2,000-3,000 per week by selling the waste at the MRF," she added.
In nine villages, eight women, Safai Mitras, are associated with household waste collection.
The recovery facility was set up under the CSR activity of a private bank and the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in partnership with the Ranchi district rural development authority (DRDA), the drinking water and sanitation department, and SBM-G.
The MRF, operational since October last year, has collected over 100 tonnes of dry and plastic waste to date.
Anjali Kumari, in charge of the facility, told TOI that their village has witnessed a visible transformation since the facility was set up. "Earlier, garbage piles could be found everywhere in the village, creating an unpleasant environment. But now all village roads are free of waste materials, and villagers have also been sensitised about plastic disposal," Anjali added.
The initiative, mostly dominated by women, has prevented plastic waste from mixing with landfills and the burning of plastics, which pollutes the environment. Subeer Ranjan, project officer of CEE, who collaborates with the Jharkhand govt to run the MRF, said that efforts are underway to start a similar initiative across 39 panchayats and 120 villages of Ormanjhi and Angara blocks and nearby panchayats of Kanke block.
Azad Hussain, state consultant of SBM-G, Jharkhand, said that three state departments — rural development, Panchayati Raj department, and the drinking water and sanitation department — are promoting cleanliness in the rural areas across the state. He added that the MRF centre in Ormanjhi is the biggest in the state, and such centres have been established across the state to curb the menace of plastic and other pollution.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
32 minutes ago
- News18
Who Are ‘Man Mums'? The 5-Minute Women-Only Service In China For Rs 600. Know What They Offer
Last Updated: Man mums initially meant strong men who are muscular, but now women choose who to hug based on qualities like kindness, patience, looks and body shape. In China, young women are paying about 50 yuan (approximately Rs 600) for a five-minute hug from men called 'man mums.' This unusual trend is growing on Chinese social media and it offers comfort during stressful times. At first, 'man mums' meant strong, muscular men, but now women choose who to hug based on qualities like kindness, patience, looks and body shape. They arrange meetings through chat apps and hugs usually happen in public places like subway stations or malls. The price for a short hug usually costs between 20 to 50 yuan (approximately Rs 200 to Rs 600). According to the South China Morning Post, Zhou, who has hugged 34 times, said he earned 1,758 yuan (approximately Rs 21,000) and hopes his hugs help women feel better when they struggle with worries about their body or work pressure. The man offering hugs says he has no plans to turn it into a full time job. For him, charging a small fee helps keep clear boundaries. It makes the experience feel more professional and less personal. Another man who has given hugs a few times said that doing this makes him feel good about himself. He feels more confident and important because he can help others feel better through his hugs. A student feeling uneasy with her thesis shared that she was looking to pay for a hug from a caring and fit man to help relieve stress. She remembered being hugged once back in school and said it made her feel safe. She suggested meeting at an underground station and keeping the hug short. Some women also feel that paying for the hug makes the situation safer and more respectful. It helps avoid misunderstandings or unwanted behaviour, as both sides know the rules and limits from the start. First Published: June 06, 2025, 15:08 IST
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From Rs 5 to Rs 2,300: India's humble Parle-G is a luxury in Gaza; a father's viral post shows war reality
NEW DELHI: In India, Parle-G biscuits are synonymous with simplicity, a nostalgic tea-time snack, a budget-friendly staple found in almost every household. In war-ravaged Gaza, however, the iconic Indian biscuit has taken on a grim new identity: a luxury item, symbolising the desperation of a population teetering on the brink of famine. A viral social media post by Mohammed Jawad, a Palestinian living in Gaza, has spotlighted the stark realities of wartime scarcity. The video shows his young daughter, Rafif, clutching a pack of Parle-G biscuits, a rare treat in a region suffering from an acute food crisis. Jawad revealed he paid more than €24 (approximately Rs 2,342) for the packet, which usually costs less than Rs 5 in Indian markets and around Rs 100 in international grocery stores. 'Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat,' he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), capturing hearts — and shock — across the globe, particularly among Indian users for whom Parle-G is an enduring symbol of affordability and childhood. His post quickly went viral on social media with many Indian users tagging government officials and the Parle company for help. A user wrote: "India sent Parle G to Palestinians as an Aid but Aid trucks get captured by Hamas and they sell the food and medicines in black to the hungry Palestinians. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¿Tienes $105? Inviértelos en CFD de Amazon y observa cómo crecen sin salir de casa. Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo Rs 5 Parle-G being sold at Rs 2,500. This is the real face of the so-called resistance exploiting the misery of innocents." Replying to the post, Jawad said, "Some people think the aid that comes for the people of Gaza is distributed fairly. But the truth is that the occupation has recruited many agents and thieves to steal this aid and sell it on the market at sky-high prices. For example, flour is sold for around $500, and sugar is sold for about $90 per kilogram. All basic goods are sold at insane prices. Some people, who can't afford to buy, risk their lives just to get what they need. Meanwhile, others steal large quantities and sell them in the market for huge profits." This extraordinary price spike is a direct result of the ongoing humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza. Since the breakdown of a ceasefire in March, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on aid entering the Palestinian enclave. The restriction has triggered a sharp surge in malnutrition rates, especially among children, and has devastated local supply chains. According to a UN report released on Thursday, the rate of acute malnutrition in children under five in Gaza has nearly tripled since February. Of nearly 50,000 children screened in late May, 5.8 per cent were diagnosed with acute malnutrition — up from 4.7 per cent just weeks earlier. The figure marks a dramatic rise from the situation in February, when a temporary pause in hostilities had allowed for freer aid flow, news agency Reuters reported. The UN-backed "nutrition cluster" also noted a spike in cases of severe acute malnutrition, a deadly condition that leaves children extremely vulnerable to infections. Treatment centers in northern Gaza and Rafah have reportedly been forced to shut down due to lack of medical supplies, damage from the ongoing conflict, or targeted attacks — claims Israel denies, maintaining that some facilities are used by Hamas for military operations. Doctors donating blood, children dying of starvation In a harrowing statement, the international medical NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said doctors in Gaza are now donating their own blood to treat patients, following incidents where dozens of civilians were gunned down while trying to access food aid. Palestinian officials reported at least 29 starvation-related deaths, mostly among children and the elderly — in just a few days last month. These figures come amid growing scrutiny of aid distribution mechanisms and mounting criticism of Israel's restrictions, even as Tel Aviv insists it vets all aid to prevent diversion by Hamas, a charge the group denies.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Do you wake up at 3:33 AM often? The spiritual reason might surprise you
Have you ever jolted awake in the middle of the night only to see the clock flash 3:33? At first, it may seem like a coincidence, but when it starts happening frequently, there could be a deeper spiritual message behind this mysterious wake-up call. According to numerology and spiritual traditions, waking up at 3:33 AM is considered a divine nudge. It's a moment when the universe or your higher self is trying to get your attention. The Significance of 333 in Numerology In numerology, the number 3 represents creativity, positivity, and success. When this number appears three times in a row, its power is amplified. The number 333 becomes a powerful sign of divine communication, spiritual alignment, and good fortune. If you find yourself waking up at 3:33 AM, it's believed that your angel spirit or higher guidance is encouraging you to trust your intuition and make an important decision you've been avoiding. The 'Witching' Hour The time between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM is often referred to as the 'Witching Hour' or 'Devil's Hour.' In spiritual traditions, it's believed to be the time when the veil between the physical and spiritual realms is thinnest. Waking up during this time, especially at 3:33 AM, suggests you are in a heightened state of receptivity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo You may be open to receiving messages from your subconscious, ancestors, or guardian angels. A Call to Realignment Repeatedly waking up at 3:33 AM could also indicate that something in your life is out of alignment. This could involve your career, relationships, mental health, or spiritual path. It's a gentle reminder from the universe to slow down, reflect, and reassess your life choices. What to Do If You Wake Up at 3:33 AM Take a few deep breaths to calm your body and mind. Journal your thoughts: Is there something you're ignoring or suppressing during the day that resurfaces at night? Sit in meditation, ask your higher self for clarity, and remain open to signs and synchronicities. Final Thought: If you keep waking up at 3:33 AM, don't dismiss it as random. It might just be the universe's way of guiding you toward healing, growth, and transformation. Pay attention—your spirit may be trying to speak. This article is written by Rajini Dubey. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
