2-month workshop on solid waste management concludes

2-month workshop on solid waste management concludes

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, March 15: The 2-month workshop on solid waste management organized by the Karkala Town Municipal Council concluded on March 15. It was the first workshop of its kind held in Karkala. 

During the valedictory ceremony, State Home Minister V S Acharya said that the government has already implemented the Nirmala Kavacha scheme, which is a solid waste management policy. Plastic bags up to 20 microns have been already banned; and the government plans to ban the use of plastic bags of 30 and 40 microns in Karnataka. 

Prof V Jagannath, the ISRO environmental scientist, delivered the keynote address, in which he said that people are still unaware of the significance of solid waste management. He informed that four cities of Karnataka—Mangalore, Shimoga, Bhatkal, and Shiriguppa—have implemented solid waste management programmes. Other cities in the state need to implement this programme too. 

Speaking about the importance of learning about solid waste management, he said that people must be taught to segregate solid wastes at the initial stage, adding that 100kg of wet solid waste is capable of producing 30kg manure at the end of 40 days. He suggested that the elected representatives of the police, NCC, Home Guards, and NSS be involved in the process of solid waste management. Political and religious commitment is also required, he urged, citing the example of the Mahamastakabhisheka held at Shravanabelagola in Hassan where 500 wet and 500 dry solid waste baskets were kept in a bid to maintain hygiene and cleanliness. 

Five thousand students from schools and colleges all over the state participated in this workshop; and experts delivered speeches on scientific disposal of solid waste, segregation of waste, and so on. A number of competitions were also conducted.