Content :
- Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat, Tripura – Key Sustainability Initiative
- TRADITIONALLY BUILT ‘ANCIENT STITCHED SHIP’ INDUCTED INTO THE INDIAN NAVY AS INSV KAUNDINYA
Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat, Tripura – Key Sustainability Initiative
Context : Kamalpur in Tripura adopts biodegradable PBAT-based bags under Swachh Bharat Mission to curb single-use plastic and promote sustainable urban living.
- Introduced Compostable PBAT Bags:
- PBAT: Biodegradable, chemical-free polymer.
- Decomposes within 180 days, unlike plastic which takes centuries.
- Certified by CIPET for compostability and biodegradability.
- What is PBAT?
- PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable co-polymer.
- It is flexible and durable, similar in feel to traditional plastic (like polyethylene).
- Unlike regular plastic, PBAT breaks down in composting environments within 3 to 6 months
- Affordability:
- Wholesale price: ₹145/kg; Retail: ₹160/kg.
- Community Engagement:
- Citizens encouraged to adopt eco-friendly bags.
- Promotes plastic-free, responsible waste practices.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U): Broader Framework
- RRR Model: Reuse, Recycling, Recovery — strengthening circular economy.
- Focus on innovation, tech, citizen engagement to combat single-use plastic.
- Guided by Swabhav (nature), Swachhata (cleanliness), Sanskar (values).
Other Model Interventions Across India
Trichy, Tamil Nadu – Market-Level SUP Elimination
- Targeted 220 vendors in local farmer markets (Tennur, KK Nagar, Woraiyur).
- Vendor education on plastic harm + promotion of cloth bags (“Thunippai Thiruvizhai”).
- SUP Reduction:
- Tennur: 2,200 kg/year
- KK Nagar: 620 kg in 4 months
- Woraiyur: 300 kg in 6 months
Kedarnath & Char Dham – Digital Deposit Refund System (DRS)
- ₹10 deposit on plastic bottles & MLPs; tracked via QR codes.
- Incentivized return at Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs).
- Impact (till date):
- 20 lakh bottles recycled
- 66 MT CO₂ avoided
- 110+ jobs created
- 37.5% rise in earnings for informal waste workers
Andaman & Nicobar – Plastic Milk Pouch Buy-Back
- Return used pouches for rewards (milk/discounts).
- Public awareness to foster sustainable habits.
- By Nov 2024: 17,600 pouches collected → 352 litres milk distributed.
Patiala, Punjab – Plastic Recycling Facility (PRF)
- Converts multilayered plastics (MLP) into eco-friendly chipboards.
- Daily capacity: 10 tonnes → 75-100 boards/day.
- Chipboards used in furniture, roofing, temporary shelters.
- Supports resource efficiency & landfill reduction.
Conclusion: Towards a Plastic-Free India
- Plastic waste management evolving into a multi-stakeholder movement.
- Emphasis on circular economy, innovation, and behavioral change.
- Urban Local Bodies like Kamalpur are setting replicable grassroots models.
TRADITIONALLY BUILT ‘ANCIENT STITCHED SHIP’ INDUCTED INTO THE INDIAN NAVY AS INSV KAUNDINYA
Context :
- Formally inducted into the Indian Navy on 21 May 2025 at Karwar Naval Base.
- Named INSV Kaundinya after a legendary Indian mariner who sailed to Southeast Asia.
- A unique stitched sail ship, modeled after a 5th-century CE vessel depicted in Ajanta Caves murals.
Relevance : GS 1(Culture , History) ,GS 3(Technology)
Sage Kaundinya
- Kaundinya was a legendary Indian sailor and sage.
- He is believed to have voyaged across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia, around the early centuries CE.
- According to local legends and inscriptions, he founded the ancient kingdom of Funan (modern-day Cambodia).
- He married Queen Soma, a local Naga princess, symbolizing cultural fusion.
- His journey represents India’s early maritime trade, navigation skills, and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia.
Collaborative Project for Maritime Heritage
- Tripartite agreement signed in July 2023:
- Ministry of Culture
- Indian Navy
- M/s Hodi Innovations
- Funded by Ministry of Culture to revive India’s traditional shipbuilding legacy.
Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques
- Construction led by Kerala-based master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran and artisan team.
- Hull constructed using:
- Stitched wooden planks
- Coir ropes, coconut fiber, and natural resin
- Launched in February 2025 at Goa.
Role of the Indian Navy
- Oversaw design, technical validation, and construction.
- In the absence of blueprints, relied on:
- Iconography from Ajanta caves
- Hydrodynamic model testing at IIT Madras
- Ensured historical accuracy and seaworthiness.
Cultural Symbolism in Ship Design
- Sails bear symbols:
- Gandabherunda (mythical double-headed bird)
- Sun motif
- Bow features a sculpted Simha Yali (mythical lion-like creature).
- Deck displays a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- All elements highlight India’s ancient maritime ethos.
Future Mission & Cultural Significance
- Serves as a symbol of India’s maritime heritage, trade, and cultural exchange.
- Based at Karwar, inducted as an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV).
- Will undertake a transoceanic voyage later in 2025:
- Route: Gujarat to Oman
- Purpose: Recreate ancient trade routes and maritime connections.
Conclusion
- INSV Kaundinya stands as a living testament to India’s shipbuilding traditions.
- It reflects a blend of history, craftsmanship, naval engineering, and cultural revival.
- Enhances India’s efforts to preserve and showcase maritime heritage globally.
