Bengaluru: Bengalureans generate 4000 tons of waste every day. A small area like Vasanthnagar produces about 10 tons of waste. More than Rs. 1 crore is spent just on transporting the waste every day, without even processing it scientifically. The initiative of some of the BBMP officials and Vasnthnagar residents can fetch Bengaluru the tag of plastic free city soon.
The amount of waste and plastic usage has drastically reduced in Vasanthnagar due to the effective measures taken by the citizens and a set of BBMP officials. For days, residents walked from shop to shop educating traders and public about the hazards of using plastic. The move towards a Plastic Free Vasanthnagar had begun in earnest and the movement was a success only when the citizens played their role.
How the officials in Vasanthnagar made a change
“The usage of plastic bags is inspected by the health workers of the area on weekly basis. Currently Vasanthnagar records 55 per cent usage of plastic. Public can get rid of plastic by adopting simple alternative methods,” says Sampath kumar, Corporator of Vasanthnagar.
The initiative taken by Sampath is simply adorable. About 350 to 400 free bags were distributed to the shopkeepers in the area. Effective demonstrations and awareness have helped many of the shopkeepers to avoid plastic.
Rent a bag policy by corporator
Many of the shopkeepers at Vasanthnagar rent bag for customers at the price of Rs 11. The customer gets his Rs10 back when he returns the bag. “I don’t believe in fine, instead provide with better alternatives that can be adopted. There are many ways to get rid of plastic, awareness is one of the best alternatives,” says Sampath Kumar when asked about the initiative taken in his ward.
Informative session by BBMP officials and residents
After repeated failure to enforce ban on plastic, the BBMP officials held a session ‘Plastic Beda’ for the general public to govern the usage of plastic as well as inform about an alternative solution. Citizens attended the session organised by the BBMP officials in collaboration with Vasanthnagar Residents Welfare Association (VRWA).
Few months ago, the civic body imposed ban on plastic products. The decision brought together sectors such as traders, shopkeepers, vendors and packaging industries. Many of the organisations and individuals supported the initiative, and came up with many other alternatives. The initiative by the BBMP officials and the citizens is admirable.
The session aptly titled ‘Plastic Beda’ saw a crowded hall with traders and restaurateurs of the area (more than 150) interacting with their representatives. They discussed on topics such as why say no to plastics, alternative measures, rules and regulations. A demo session and many more aspects were introduced during the event. Some of the alternatives for carry bags, produce bags, glasses, plates, blows, garbage bags, lining, food parcel and reusable products where explained during the session. Many of the residents at Vasanthnagar now adopt these alternatives.
“I had no idea about the alternatives for food packing before, but now I know some of them. The cost is also reasonable. I will adopt these alternatives soon,” says Sahil who runs a restaurant.
BBMP Joint Commisioner Sarfaraz Khan says, “A plastic free Bengaluru and nation is the target. This is very much needed for the wellness of the people. Public should be motivated to adopt the alternatives to bring a change”.
“Plastic is a universal problem and it should be brought to an end. There are different ways of doing this. VRWA has decided to take all citizens into confidence, educate them that plastic is voluntarily given up,” said Rajkumar Dugar, General Secretary of VRWA.
