Waste turns wealth, feeds for 4 lakh
The Vidyananda Foundation has earned around Tk1 crore by selling plastic waste collected over two years, using the proceeds to provide food to around four lakh people in areas under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
The figures were disclosed today at a ‘Market in Exchange for Waste’ programme jointly organised by DSCC and the Vidyananda Foundation in Kamrangirchar to encourage public participation in cleanliness drives, improve waste management and support underprivileged communities.
Thousands of local residents took part in the temporary market at Ashrafabad High School, exchanging plastic waste collected from their homes for essential commodities.
DSCC Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the programme, while Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman attended as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, Abdus Salam called for greater citizen involvement in keeping the city clean and described the initiative as an effective model for engaging residents in waste management.
“Dumping plastic and other waste into drains and sewers obstructs water drainage and causes waterlogging,” he said.
Proper disposal of waste at designated places would help reduce waterlogging and protect the environment, he added.
The DSCC administrator said a permanent stall would soon be established in Gulistan, with plans to gradually expand the initiative to all DSCC wards.
He also announced plans to introduce a ‘Books-for-Food’ programme for street children at suitable Secondary Transfer Stations (STSs), where chairs, tables and books would be provided.
Abdus Salam urged the residents of Kamrangirchar to protect the Buriganga River, prevent encroachment and avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste.
Vidyananda Foundation Executive Director Jamal Uddin said the organisation aims to collect around 100,000kg of plastic waste through 100 mobile campaigns over the next year.
DSCC Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukdar, senior city corporation officials and Vidyananda Foundation volunteers attended the programme.
