Man's morning walks become a blessing for environment

Rajan, a farmer in Kerala, picked up plastic waste during his morning walks, setting an example for others to keep the environment clean and safe.

Kozhikode: Rajan, a resident of Kozhikode district in Kerala started his morning walks on the doctor's advice after he suffered a heart ailment. During his walks in Chemancheri Grama Panchayat he also picked up plastic waste along the way and local people started calling him Kuppi Rajan.

He never feels uneasy collecting plastic waste from pathways, railway tracks and public roads. A heap of plastic waste has been piled up in front of his house. He managed to clear plastic waste from two wards in the panchayat within three months, sources said.

"The heap of plastic waste has been collected from only two wards. I have collected this randomly from roads. This shows the negligence of the people," Rajan said.

"People have been mocking me, saying I am collecting plastic waste for monetary benefits and that I am a lunatic. I am not bothered about it," he said. "Many companies have been approaching me. After two months, it will be sent to Gujarat or other places and it will be used in manufacturing jeans, blanket and sarees," he added.

Rajan has separated plastic bottles into different categories such as soft drinks, fruit juices, sauces and water bottles and said he would also set up wastebaskets in the two wards to help people dispose of their plastic waste properly.