Mangaluru: A community led initiative aimed at preventing plastic and other waste from entering the Phalguni, Nandini and Shambhavi rivers was launched in Dakshina Kannada district on Sunday, with 46 villages selected for scientific waste management interventions.
Named Hasiru Samvada the programme is a joint initiative of Alva’s Education Foundation, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, the Paryavarana Samrakshana Team, voluntary organisations, industries and educational institutions. It seeks to reduce plastic pollution at its source before waste reaches rivers and eventually the marine ecosystem.
Addressing the launch event at Alva’s College in Moodbidri, Principal Kurian said the initiative would establish community-based waste management systems in villages located within the catchment areas of the three rivers. The focus will be on preventing plastic waste from entering water bodies and reducing the formation of microplastics.
The programme will be implemented in three phases. The first phase, from July to August, will include baseline surveys, waste assessments, public awareness campaigns and consultations with gram panchayats, local organisations and residents. Students will also participate in the campaign, while an ‘Ideathon’ will encourage innovative solutions for environmental conservation.
The second phase, scheduled from September to November, will focus on implementing scientific waste management practices in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules. Activities will include removing waste from river surfaces and underwater areas, recycling and scientific processing of waste, safe disposal of non-recyclable materials and extensive awareness campaigns. Community engagement events, including the Swachha Grama competition, environmental reel contests and student outreach programmes, will also be organised.
The final phase in December will feature a two-day conference where participating gram panchayats will present their experiences and best practices in waste management. Environmental experts, researchers and activists will participate in technical sessions aimed at promoting knowledge sharing and sustainable solutions.
As part of the concluding event, a Swachha Grama Award will be presented to the village that demonstrates the greatest success in reducing plastic waste entering rivers. Outstanding panchayat development officers, students, waste management volunteers and competition winners will also be recognised for their contributions.
Speaking at the event, M. Vivek Alva, Trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, said environmental conservation should be viewed as an essential component of sustainable development rather than a barrier to progress. He stressed that the long-term success of the initiative would depend on lasting behavioural and social change.
Venkatesh Sanganal, Regional Coordinator of the Paryavarana Samrakshana Team, said environmental conservation must evolve into a people’s movement, noting that increasing consumption and changing lifestyles have led to growing plastic waste challenges even in rural areas.
Jayalakshmi Raikode, Deputy Secretary of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said environmental protection and public health are closely linked and emphasised that government initiatives can succeed only through active community participation.
The initiative aims to strengthen community stewardship of river ecosystems while reducing plastic pollution that threatens freshwater resources and marine biodiversity.