Hyderabad gets first footpath made entirely of recycled plastic paver blocks

The GHMC has completed Hyderabad’s first footpath made entirely of recycled plastic paver blocks at Somajiguda. Developed as part of a pilot project, the eco-friendly walkway uses single-use plastic waste and offers durability, safety, lower maintenance and long service life.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s first footpath made entirely of recycled plastic paver blocks has come up at Somajiguda, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional walkways. The novel initiative of developing a footpath using plastic paver blocks was completed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials from the Khairatabad Zone.

As part of a pilot project for the construction of solar-powered footpaths, the GHMC had proposed developing footpaths with plastic paver blocks on two stretches, including Somajiguda and Jubilee Hills near Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

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A few days ago, the GHMC completed a plastic paver block footpath spanning two kilometres between Somajiguda Circle and Necklace Road MMTS Station. The works related to developing a similar walkway at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan will commence in a day or two, a senior GHMC engineer from the Khairatabad Zone told Telangana Today.

Discarded plastic, including polybags, plastic bottles, bottle caps and plastic wrappers from snack items, was used to make the plastic paver blocks. The paver blocks are composed of 65 per cent to 70 per cent post-consumer single-use plastic waste, such as Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), including plastic bags, or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), with the remaining mix consisting of fillers and mineral additives, GHMC officials said.

According to GHMC officials, such footpaths offer flexibility, durability, waterproofing and longevity. If repairs are required, individual blocks can be lifted in sections and replaced. The blocks are lighter than traditional concrete and the cost of making plastic paver blocks is lower than that of conventional tiles, GHMC officials said.

From a safety point of view, plastic paver blocks installed on a footpath are expected to provide better grip for pedestrians, making them less likely to slip even during heavy downpours. The paver blocks do not generate as much heat as traditional tiles during the summer season, GHMC officials said, adding that such footpaths can last for at least 50 years.

To ensure pedestrians are informed about the use of the novel technology, the GHMC will soon display signboards on the Somajiguda footpath, stating that it has been made using plastic paver blocks.