In a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote environmental consciousness and study waste management systems in coastal Karnataka, Nagaraj Raghav Anchan, project manager at Hasiru Dala, will embark on a solo 300 km walk from Karwar to Mangaluru on October 27.

Unlike record-setting campaigns, Nagaraj’s journey is centred on community engagement, awareness, and behavioural change regarding waste disposal, especially plastic pollution along highways and coastal areas.

A journey for awareness, not records

Speaking ahead of his expedition, Nagaraj said the goal is to interact with people at the grassroots level — from schools and panchayats to local communities — to understand existing waste management systems and identify gaps.

Armed with just a microphone and minimal essentials, Nagaraj plans to give short awareness talks wherever possible, urging people to prevent waste — particularly plastic — from entering rivers and the sea.

“This journey is about understanding, not just observing. I want to see how people handle waste, how systems function, and how we can make them better. Managing waste is everyone’s responsibility,” Nagaraj said.

Walking 40–50 km daily for cleaner coasts

The walk will span nearly 300 km along the national highway and the scenic coastline, with Nagaraj covering 40–50 km a day over 12–13 hours. He plans to carry only the bare essentials — two tracksuits, a T-shirt, cap, ORS, and a first aid kit — while maintaining hydration by drinking at least four litres of water daily.

A former kabaddi player, Nagaraj said his athletic background and past injuries have taught him endurance and discipline. “This walk is not about physical fitness alone — it’s about mental strength and commitment to a cleaner environment,” he noted.

Past campaigns for clean rivers and highways

This is not Nagaraj’s first attempt at inspiring public action. Since 2021, he has been conducting silent awareness campaigns by standing with placards near highways and riverbanks across Mangaluru.

In 2021–22, he stood for five months near Kallapu, urging people not to dump waste into the Nethravati River. The following years saw him continuing the campaign near Adyar and Faranjipete for several months each.

Cooperation from district administrations

Ahead of his upcoming walk, Nagaraj has informed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts, along with Zilla Panchayat CEOs, requesting opportunities to engage with local panchayats and communities along the route.

Gathering insights for sustainable change

Throughout the journey, Nagaraj aims to document best practices and gaps in waste management, with plans to compile insights that can be shared with authorities, institutions, and places of worship to encourage sustainable methods.

“Through this walk, I hope to highlight the lives of waste pickers, understand the ground realities, and suggest practical measures. It’s about observation, collaboration, and collective responsibility,” he said.

A call for community action

Nagaraj believes the success of waste management depends not only on government systems but also on citizens’ attitudes. “We need mindset change, willpower, and empathy for our environment. The solutions are simple if we all act together,” he added.