Moved by the overwhelming sight of plastic waste, Kulgam’s Tariq Ahmad Ganai, idealized that he has to contribute to society and came up with the idea of setting up a scrap unit to keep the environment clean, be independent, and generate employment for many others.
Tariq, a resident of Gadihama Kulgam, had previously worked as a labourer with scraps in units located in Delhi. His introduction to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) scheme through a radio broadcast in 2014 ignited the spark for change. “It was suggested that people could register in the local DIC for various types of units,” he said.
The MSME scheme, a government initiative supporting and nurturing small businesses across sectors, offers benefits such as credit accessibility, technological aid, infrastructure support, and marketing assistance to enterprises falling within the defined MSME categories.
He said, he is generating crores in turnover with the Kulgam scrap unit now. Supported by the then General Manager, District Industries Center (DIC) Kulgam, Bilal Ahmad, Tariq initiated a scrap unit in 2014. Today, this unit serves as a significant employment hub while effectively tackling plastic pollution in the town.
“Bilal Ahmad, who was heading DIC Kulgam at that time, provided me with the best possible unit, helped me earn a living for dozens, and contributed to keeping plastic in check within the district,” he said.
Bilal Ahmad, who is now Tehsildar Kulgam, told Rising Kashmir that Tariq was a young entrepreneur back then. He said, “Based on his capabilities, we counseled him, and he got registered with DIC. Later, he established another unit for cardboard processing, propelling him further on his journey.”
“I believe the key to Tariq’s success is recognizing the dignity of labor. No work is less, and Tariq is exceptionally hardworking,” he said.
The Tehsildar shared a story about Tariq’s hard work. He recounted, “Just meters away from the Tehsil office, there was a trout canal flowing. During an official visit, I saw Tariq in the same canal, picking up bottles. I asked him what he was doing, and he responded, ‘Sir, you don’t know, this bottle will earn me 450 rupees.’ Despite his latest style and riding a bullet bike, it was surprising to see him engage in such humble work. This was a clear indication that he would go a long way and excel in his journey,” he said.
Apart from contributing to environmental cleanliness, Tariq is earning a living. The passion and skills he possesses have transformed Tariq into Tariq Enterprises. With additional plans in the pipeline, there is optimism that he will achieve further excellence.
“I witnessed an abundance of scraps littered across Kashmir. This sight motivated me to establish a unit in Kulgam, collecting these scraps from the environment to kickstart a business,” Tariq said.
“We carefully sort and grade these scraps, providing employment to dozens of local youths,” he said.
“We categorize and transport the scraps for recycling while ensuring our operations maintain the environmental integrity of Kulgam,” he said.
Zaffar Ahmad, employed at the unit for three years, said that approximately 40 individuals derive their livelihood from this enterprise. The factory’s practices significantly contribute to preserving the green environment by effectively managing and compressing scraps, preventing pollution.
Zaffar said, “Our unit compresses these scraps, later dispatch via trucks to other states for recycling.”
Tariq has urged the government to support the establishment of manufacturing units using raw materials primarily sent out for recycling. He believes this would substantially benefit the rural economy and generate additional employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, an official at the DIC Kulgam said Tariq Ahmad Ganie started with an investment of approximately 20 lakhs; his turnover over the last three years has reached around 3 crores, creating a scene of remarkable transformation and success.
