Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday inaugurated a plant at the Indian Institute of Petroleum here which can turn plastic waste into diesel.

Congratulated the scientists of IIP for discovering the technology after years of research, the minister said it was a commendable step towards ensuring freedom from plastic.

"By producing diesel out of plastic waste on a large scale, the plant is not just a good step towards freedom from plastic but will also reduce our dependence on other countries for petroleum products," Harsh Vardhan said after inaugurating the plant in the presence of Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

Terming it a big achievement, Rawat said apart from protecting the environment, the plant will also boost economic growth as it will produce 800 litres of diesel from one tonne of plastic waste which will be collected with the help of NGOs.