BY SAISMA NAIK
In a significant step towards addressing the grave issue of plastic pollution in Goa, the World Wildlife Fund-India (WWF-India) is all set to test a revolutionary 'Plastic Reporter' -- a WhatsApp chatbot.
This ground-breaking initiative aims to empower citizens to report plastic dumps in public places, ultimately paving the way for a cleaner and greener environment.
Through the convenience of WhatsApp, concerned citizens can now connect with the WWF chatbot by simply typing “plastic” and sending it to the dedicated WhatsApp number, 7498982409.
The user-friendly chatbot will then engage participants in a series of questions, skillfully extracting vital information regarding the type and quantity of plastic dumped. Also, citizens have to share the exact location and even photographs of the plastic dump.
The user-friendly chatbot will then engage participants in a series of questions, skillfully extracting vital information regarding the type and quantity of plastic dumped.
The invaluable data collected through this innovative chatbot will be analysed by WWF-India. With a primary focus on tackling plastic dumps located in marine environments, the organisations will work hand in hand to develop a comprehensive strategy to clear affected areas.
Crucially, this joint effort will involve close collaboration with local panchayats and manufacturers of disposable plastic products.
One notable aspect of this innovative chatbot is its ability to bypass the need for users to download a separate application, saving valuable space on their smartphones.
By leveraging the widely-used WhatsApp messaging service, WWF ensures that citizens can conveniently report plastic dumps without any hassle.
This inclusive approach allows more individuals to actively participate in combating plastic pollution and preserving the natural beauty of Goa.
The development of this ground-breaking WWF WhatsApp chatbot was carried out by Parmanoo Data Labs, and the project is funded by a financial services company as a CSR initiative.
With this innovative solution, WWF-India is once again at the forefront of conservation efforts, empowering citizens to become active participants in the fight against plastic pollution.
As the data pours in through the chatbot, WWF-India will possess a comprehensive understanding of the extent and locations of plastic dumps.
Armed with this knowledge, it will work tirelessly to implement effective strategies to eliminate plastic pollution zones, safeguarding both land and marine ecosystems.