Gujarat Launches ₹2.94 Crore Plastic Waste Management Project at Nalsarovar

The Gujarat Forest Department launched a ₹2.94 crore Plastic Waste Management Project around the Ramsar-designated Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary on 11 August 2026. The project is linked to the Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat and has financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It aims to buy plastic waste from villagers, support local livelihoods, and reduce plastic pollution in the sanctuary area.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and Ramsar Site Status

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is a wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat and has Ramsar site designation. Ramsar sites are wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Wetlands with this status are recognised for their ecological importance and biodiversity value.

Project Implementation and Local Institutions

The project is being implemented by the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Division, Sanand, in coordination with local gram panchayats, Eco-Development Committees, and community members. A dedicated Plastic Waste Collection Centre has been set up at Kayla village in Viramgam taluka of Ahmedabad district. The collection network covers Vekariya, Kayla, Shahpur, Dharji, and Meni in Ahmedabad district, and Nani Kathechi and Ranagadh in Surendranagar district.

Waste Collection System and Community Participation

Eco-Development Committees will appoint local volunteers called Swachhta Praharis for segregation and collection of dry plastic waste. The project includes installed collection bins and a centralised transport system for daily movement of waste to the Kayla facility. A detailed work study was conducted to organise collection and transport operations for the project area.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ramsar sites are wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted in 1971.
• Eco-Development Committees are community-based bodies used in wildlife and forest management in India.
• JICA stands for Japan International Cooperation Agency, which provides development assistance and project funding.
• Gujarat has several wetland and bird sanctuary sites that are important for migratory birds and biodiversity.

Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat

Project for Eco-Restoration in Gujarat is a state-level conservation initiative associated with ecological restoration and habitat management. Plastic waste management projects under such programmes are linked to wetland protection, biodiversity conservation, and community participation in protected areas.