13 hours ago
Volunteers hold a 4-hour placard vigil every day on Padil–BC Road to curb waste dumping
Mangaluru: In a unique citizen-driven initiative, volunteers have united under the campaign 'Swachategagi Nammondige Neevu, Nimmondige Naavu' to combat the growing issue of waste dumping along the national highway from Padil to BC Road.
Launched on World Environment Day, the campaign is a collaborative effort by the Dakshina Kannada district administration, zilla panchayat,
Swachh Bharat Mission
(Rural), and the gram panchayats of Adyar, Pudu, Thumbe, and Kallige, along with Hasiru Dala, a social impact organisation.
Last year, for more than three months, from 5.30am to 9.30am, Nagaraj Raghav Anchan, project manager at Hasiru Dala, stood holding placards at Adyar, urging citizens to stop dumping waste by the roadside, reminding them that it could eventually pollute the Nethravati River.
He took up a similar exercise in 2021 when he stood for over three hours daily near the Kallapu stretch of the Nethravati bridge with a similar appeal.
He told TOI, "Despite such efforts, illegal dumping between Padil and BC Road worsened, with 20 to 30 black spots identified. Concerned over the growing menace, Anchan approached zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Raikod. Jayalakshmi is taking the lead in this campaign and has launched 'Waste Dumping Control Squad'.
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These squads, comprising gram panchayat members and Hasiru Dala volunteers, are now stationed at black spots every morning, holding placards and discouraging irresponsible waste disposal.
So far, about 20 teams have been formed with support from local panchayats, in addition to a Hasiru Dala team. Plans are also in place to involve schools, youth clubs, and community organisations, encouraging them to dedicate at least one day to the cause.
The campaign will continue for the next three months."
Anchan said volunteers are also documenting reasons cited by offenders for dumping waste. "Eventually, if violations persist, the panchayat will begin imposing fines. We are hopeful of reducing roadside dumping by at least 90%," he added. The team is also considering deploying volunteers from 8pm to 11pm, a period identified as peak time for illegal dumping.
MP takes note
The campaign drew attention from Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who spotted Nagaraj with a placard at Arkula on Friday evening. In a post on X, the MP wrote, "In a world where everyone talks of problems, there are few who take it upon themselves to be part of the solution. Glad to have met Nagraj, who was standing by the roadside at Arkula, holding a placard urging people not to throw garbage by the roadside. More power to such thoughtful citizens who are ensuring Swachh Bharat, as envisioned by our Prime Minister is a reality by relentlessly pursuing it.
"The MP said that NH development works are expected to be taken up on this stretch soon and assured him of his support in getting the area cleaned.
