In 2017, the Kerala government introduced 'Suchitwa Sagaram' (Clean Sea), equipping over 1,000 fishing boats with nylon bags to collect oceanic plastic waste during their fishing expeditions.
Collected plastics, ranging from bottles to fishing nets, are brought ashore, where local women sort, wash, and shred the waste, preparing it for recycling into road-building materials.
The shredded plastic is mixed with asphalt to construct roads. This method not only recycles waste, but also enhances road durability and reduces construction costs by 8–10% per kilometre.
The initiative has created employment opportunities for local women in a traditionally male-dominated sector, fostering economic empowerment and community involvement.
Since its inception, over 80,000 kg of plastic waste has been collected from Kollam’s seas, contributing to the construction of approximately 135 km of roads.
Inspired by Kollam's success, other regions in Kerala, such as Punalur and Eraviperoor, have adopted similar models, integrating plastic waste into road construction and expanding the program statewide.
The initiative promotes a circular economy by transforming non-recyclable plastic waste into valuable resources, reducing environmental impact and conserving natural resources.
The programme exemplifies effective collaboration between local communities and government bodies, including the Harbour Engineering Department and Clean Kerala Company, ensuring sustainable implementation.
By reducing marine pollution and creating durable infrastructure, the initiative delivers both ecological preservation and economic advantages, setting a precedent for innovative waste management.