Mangaluru: As many as 46 villages in the catchment areas of Pavanje (Gurupura), Nandini and Shambhavi rivers have been identified for implementing scientific waste management systems to reduce plastic leakage into the marine ecosystem, as part of a national-level campaign titled Hasiru Samvada.The campaign was launched on Sunday at the Kuvempu Hall of Alva’s College, Moodubidire, and aims at preventing plastic and other waste from reaching the sea through coastal rivers. Presenting an overview of the campaign, Kurian, principal of Alva’s college, said the campaign focuses on reducing plastic pollution before it reaches rivers and transforms into micro plastic.The first phase (July–Aug) will focus on baseline surveys, data collection, waste assessment and public awareness programmes along with consultations involving gram panchayats, local organisations and residents. An Ideathon will also be organised to promote innovative environmental solutions, with selected ideas receiving development support.The second phase (Aug–Nov) will implement activities in accordance with solid waste management rules, including river surface and underwater waste removal, scientific processing and recycling, safe disposal of non-recyclable waste, and public awareness initiatives. Competitions and student engagement programmes will also be organised. The third phase, scheduled for Dec, will culminate in a two-day national conference where participating gram panchayats will present their experiences and achievements. Environmental scientists, researchers and activists from across the country will participate.‘Swachha Grama Award’ will be presented to the village that demonstrates the most effective reduction in plastic waste entering rivers. Outstanding panchayat development officers will be recommended for State and Central environmental awards.The initiative, is jointly organized by Alva’s Education Foundation, Paryavarana Samrakshana team, educational institutions, voluntary organizations, industries and govt agencies, seeks to establish a scientific, community-driven model for solid waste management and environmental sustainability along the coast of Karnataka.Speaking at the inaugural session, Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Raikod, stressed that environmental protection and public health are inseparable and that govt initiatives can succeed only with active public participation. Unscientific disposal of waste poses a serious risks to both, the environment and public health, and called for the adoption of sustainable lifestyles and environmentally responsible practices.Paryavarana Samrakshana team, regional co-ordinator, Venkatesh Sanganal, said, environmental conservation should evolve into a social movement that transforms people’s lifestyles rather than remaining confined to periodic cleanliness drives.Alva’s Education Foundation trustee, Vivek Alva, said, coastal Karnataka occupies a unique ecological position, bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and eco-sensitive Western Ghats on the other. Calling the Western Ghats the ‘lungs’ of the region, he said they play a crucial role in maintaining climate balance, water resources and biodiversity.
