Puthuyir – Iyarkai to combat plastic pollution in the city

Dr. Shalini Prieya A D, Assistant Professor, KCTBS and Board Director – Environment, Rotary Club of Coimbatore City, is happy to share the launching of a new project “Puthuyir – Iyarkai”, to combat plastic pollution in the city.” The first part of the project was rolled out at Valankulam, focusing on installing PET bottle collection kiosks across the public places in the city, especially near lakesides and urban hubs. 

Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, I.A.S., District Collector, inaugurated the project along with N. Devanathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, R.S. Maruti, District Rotary Governor elect and Hemalatha, Assistant Executive Engineer, Coimbatore Corporation. They emphasized the importance of community-led efforts in protecting the environment. Sathasivam, a respected writer and environmentalist, highlighted the long-term ecological damage of single-use plastics and encouraged citizens to take ownership of environmental restoration. They stated the project’s potential to inspire similar movements across Tamil Nadu and beyond. 
As part of the broader initiative, the plastic bottles collected will be sent for recycling units converting into useful products such as T-shirts, reusable grocery bags, backpacks, footwear, and household containers. This step not only addresses pollution but also supports a circular economy by converting waste into valuable consumer items.