Berhampur: The students and faculty of the ITI, Berhampur in Odisha have created a giant sculpture of fish with more than 20,000 used plastic bottles.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TPSODL Amit Kumar Garg inaugurated the gigantic sculpture in the state government run Industrial Training Institute (ITI) campus on Thursday.
Principal of the ITI Rajat Kumar Panigrahi said the used plastic water bottles collected from different parts of the city were placed in a frame of fish shape, made with insulated iron net and scrap iron rods. The total weight of the 30 feet high structure is more than 1500 kg.
The meticulous design process began in February. The project involved collaborative efforts of students from various trades like fitter, mechanic, agriculture, painter, and electrician, along with their instructors.
He said the ITI champions the “waste to wealth” concept. Its commitment is evident from the unique scrap park showcasing numerous sculptures crafted from discarded materials. This initiative has garnered recognition by setting national and international records.
“The project tackles plastic pollution, a major threat to aquatic ecosystems. Plastic debris entangles and harms marine life, disrupts food chains, and pollutes the delicate ocean environment. By recycling the plastic bottles into art installation, the ITI raises awareness about the critical issue and promotes responsible waste management practices,” Panigrahi said.
Notably, the institute had unveiled a 23-ft elephant sculpture entirely from 30,000 used plastic bottles on Gandhi Jayanti last year.
