The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) in Pune is taking a stand against marine pollution caused by dumped engine oil in Ratnagiri with a unique circular economy project. Here’s how they’re making a difference:
1. The Problem: Fishing vessels in Ratnagiri traditionally dispose of used engine oil at sea, causing contamination and health risks.
2. The Solution: GIPE’s Oil Collection Environmental Action Network (OCEAN) project collects, processes, and repurposes used oil to prevent ocean pollution.
3. Key Features: GIPE has set up 12 oil collection centers in Ratnagiri, offering incentives to fishermen and collaborating with recyclers to repurpose the oil.
4. Impact: Over 500 liters of oil have been collected in just two months, with plans to prevent approximately 1 lakh liters of oil from being dumped annually.
5. Challenges and Future Plans: The project faces challenges in regulations and recycler interest, but aims to expand across Maharashtra and advocate for stricter policies.
6. The Scale of the Issue: A survey revealed that a large vessel can dump up to 15 liters of oil, adding up to an estimated 6 lakh liters annually in Ratnagiri alone.
7. Importance of the Initiative: The project not only prevents marine pollution but also creates economic opportunities for fishermen and promotes sustainable practices.
The OCEAN project is a shining example of how innovative solutions can tackle environmental challenges and create a cleaner, healthier future for coastal communities.
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