Bangalore: The city of Bangalore, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India, has risen to the challenge of combating plastic pollution through innovative means. As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced the “No Straw Nariyal Challenge” to address the pervasive issue of plastic waste associated with coconut vendors across the city. Plastic pollution has emerged as a significant concern amid rapid urbanization, posing a daunting challenge for cities across the globe. Plastic has become an integral part of daily life, making it a complex task to eliminate completely, read the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs press release.
Bangalore tackles plastic menace
Under the #SwachhataHiSeva Campaign, the "No Straw Nariyal Challenge" has been launched as a groundbreaking endeavour by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to address the pervasive issue of plastic waste associated with tender coconut… pic.twitter.com/YXpxt3BaWl
— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 25, 2023
However, Bangalore, like many other cities, has embraced the challenge head-on.
The “No Straw Nariyal Challenge” was initiated in response to observations by BBMP officials, who noted that many coconut vendors continued to use plastic straws despite efforts to curb single-use plastic.
Compounding the issue, alternatives like paper straws were both costlier and less readily available, making it challenging for vendors to transition away from plastic, read the press release.
In a proactive approach to addressing this problem, the BBMP not only sought to discourage the use of plastic straws but also promoted the idea of “bring your own cup.”
Through a series of awareness campaigns, the BBMP aimed to instil eco-conscious practices among both vendors and consumers. Vendors were encouraged not only to eliminate plastic straws but also to adopt sustainable alternatives, such as serving coconut water without straws or offering eco-friendly options, read the press release,
This innovative step created a sense of responsibility among coconut vendors and the public, emphasizing that even small changes in daily routines can collectively have a significant impact on the fight against plastic pollution.
Approximately 50 coconut vendors at various locations in the city actively participated in the Challenge, which was organized in collaboration with the Indian Plogman and Cupman NGO and involved members of the BBMP Marshals unit, read the release.
The “No Straw Nariyal Challenge” marks the beginning of a journey towards a more sustainable and plastic-free Bangalore. It exemplifies the power of innovation and community engagement in addressing environmental challenges, offering hope and inspiration for similar initiatives across the country and beyond.
Bangalore’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution demonstrate that change is possible when individuals, communities, and authorities come together for a common cause.
Also Read: Single-Use Plastic Ban: Large FMCG, Agro-Food Companies Switch To Paper-Based Straws
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
