For the first time, South 24-Parganas is constructing a road using plastic waste collected during the Gangasagar Mela in January. The 4.85-km stretch at Palta-Taltala in Canning II block is being developed with plastic-modified bitumen, a move expected to enhance durability and resilience against extreme weather.

The project, costing around Rs 8 million, began on Saturday. A Panchayat and Rural Development official highlighted that such roads are more resistant to cracks, waterlogging, and heavy traffic damage. The initiative also reduces bitumen costs by incorporating shredded plastic waste, making road construction more cost-effective in areas with abundant plastic waste.

MLA Shaukat Molla expressed excitement over the district's first plastic road, with similar projects planned across South 24-Parganas. Other districts like Birbhum, East Burdwan, Murshidabad, Howrah, Purulia, and Jalpaiguri have already adopted this method.

As per the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, local bodies are encouraged to use non-recyclable plastic waste for road construction, aligning with Indian Road Congress guidelines.