India among top plastic waste producers: Environmentalist
Koppal: Environmental activist Dr HM Sadananda highlighted India's position as one of the world's major contributors to plastic waste, expressing deep concern about this situation.
He was speaking at the World Environment Day 2025 observance on Thursday at Talakal Govt Engineering College, organised jointly with the National Service Scheme (NSS) and The Institution of Engineers (India), Munirabad centre.
"Plastic pollution is suffocating our planet, but the solution is within our reach. By embracing eco-friendly options like cloth bags, bamboo products, and biodegradable materials, while rejecting single-use plastics, we can effect meaningful change," Dr Sadananda stressed.
Speaking about Koppal's environmental challenges related to its industrial activities, particularly the iron and steel sector, he noted, "Toxic dust and smoke released from factories are negatively impacting air quality and public health. Additionally, industrial waste and effluents are harming agricultural land and water resources, resulting in diminished crop yields and water pollution."
College principal Dr SL Nadaf spoke about environmental preservation, emphasising the importance of 'reduce and reuse'.
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"By cutting down on the use of plastics and other resources and efficiently recycling waste, we can greatly alleviate the strain on our environment," he stated.
Dr SM Shashidhar, chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), Munirabad Centre, stressed the importance of united action. "It is alarming that we consume microplastics equivalent to an ATM card every week. As engineers, you possess the expertise to devise solutions. Consider sustainable alternatives to plastic and create effective waste management systems," he urged.
The event concluded with a pledge to reduce single-use plastics. Attendees included Dr Suresh K, Basavaraj Hunasihal, Prashant Kabballi, Bhuvaneshwari Kulkarni, and Puttappa, alongside college staff and students.
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