Govt to provide one-time financial aid for coastal waste recycling units

The government will provide one-time financial support for setting up recycling plants for abandoned fishing gear and plastic waste in coastal areas, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Saturday. He announced guidelines for "One-Time Financial Support for Establishing Recycling Plants" while taking part in a beach clean-up drive at Juhu in Mumbai. According to a note prepared by the ministry, the focus is on establishing fishing gear/net and marine plastic waste recycling facilities in the 12 Blue Flag-certified beaches -- which meet global environmental, educational, safety standards -- in the country. One-time financial support will be given to set up 25 recycling units -- 13 for nylon fishing gear and 12 for plastic waste -- near Blue Flag beaches, the ministry said. New recycling units for plastic waste and fishing gear/nets are eligible if they have a valid permit, are located outside the Coastal Regulation Zone, and meet local regulations, it said. Preference