Srinagar, Nov 17: In the picturesque village of Turka-Tachloo, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the entrepreneurial spirit of two brothers has turned discarded plastic into a source of employment and environmental sustainability.
Manzoor Ah Dar, raised with limited means and without formal education, embarked on an unconventional journey over the past 12 years. Engaging in the challenging task of procuring discarded plastic from local communities, he managed to earn a modest income of Rs 20,000 per month.
“This unique profession took me from village to village, establishing connections with the local communities. It was during this time that I thought of a recycling unit,” said Manzoor, reflecting on the genesis of their innovative venture.
In 2011, Manzoor and his brother Bashir Ah Dar translated their vision into reality by investing in a recycling unit. What started as a modest initiative has now blossomed into two successful recycling units, contributing not only to environmental cleanliness by reducing plastic waste but also creating vital employment opportunities for the local community.
The journey was not without its challenges. The Dar brothers faced difficulties in sourcing sufficient plastic and finding skilled workers. However, their determination and innovative thinking prevailed, enabling them to overcome obstacles and make a significant impact.
“Our plastic sourcing network is quite extensive. We collaborate with individuals who have established their own shops, where they purchase plastic from those who collect it by traveling from village to village. These intermediary steps in the process help us acquire the necessary raw materials and contribute to the livelihoods of multiple individuals in this eco-friendly supply chain,” explained Bashir Ah Dar.
In 2019, Manzoor took a bold step by establishing a separate plastic industry in Vessu area, around 12 kms away from his home. Both recycling units are now bustling with activity, efficiently managing heaps of bundled scrap material.
To handle the plastic waste, the brothers organized the space into separate tin sheds based on color coding. “At least four groups of dedicated workers are tirelessly sorting out discarded plastics in different sections, each designated for black, green, blue, red, and white colors. We call this ‘grade-wise sorting,’ and it’s a critical step in our process,” shared Manzoor.
“After proper grade-wise sorting, we take the sorted plastics of different colors and grind them separately in a grinding machine. We pack the material into bundles and send them outside the valley. These granules are put to use in crafting various plastic materials like buckets, pipes, and other essential items,” he added.
The Dar brothers have not only succeeded in their environmental mission but have also become employers for their community. In both plastic recycling units, they have provided jobs to 20 youth, each earning no less than Rs 20,000 per month.
“In a month, we transport over 80 tonnes of plastic material. Fluctuations in the plastic market have posed challenges, but our commitment to recycling and environmental sustainability remains steadfast. We adapt to the changing market conditions while continuing our mission to reduce plastic waste,” they asserted.
