World Bank sanctions Rs 840 cr to make Karnataka’s coastal districts plastic-free

World Bank sanctions Rs 840 cr to make Karnataka’s coastal districts plastic-free

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 4, 2025: The World Bank has approved ₹840 crore under the K-SHORE (Karnataka Strengthening of Coastal Resilience & Economy) project to make the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada plastic-free. The initiative, cleared by the Central Department of Economic Affairs, is part of a larger South Asian effort to create plastic-free rivers and coastlines.

The project, implemented in coordination with the Forest, Wildlife, Fisheries, Urban Development, and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Departments, will focus on pollution prevention, improved waste management, employment generation, erosion control, marine conservation, and protection of coastal biodiversity such as olive ridley turtles and dolphins.

Key initiatives under K-SHORE

New facilities: Udupi district will get 11 new Material Recovery Facility (MRF) units at Karkal, Baindur Hosadu, Udupi Badagabetta, and Hebri, alongside expansion of 4 existing units. Each will cost ₹1.5–2 crore, with waste processing capacity doubled from 5 metric tons to 10–15 metric tons.

Biomedical waste models: Specialized systems for hospital waste and diaper collection will be introduced, with a shift to electricity-based incineration instead of diesel.

Transport: Udupi district will deploy 100 vehicles for efficient waste collection and transportation.

Forest, river and coastal protection

The Forest Department will oversee afforestation, riverbank strengthening, and construction of check dams and bunds along 16 rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea. Waste segregation and collection systems will involve local communities and fishermen.

Pilgrimage centers to go plastic-free

The project will also target religious sites including Kukke Subramanya, Dharmasthala, Kateel, Udupi Sri Krishna, and Kollur Mookambika temples. Awareness campaigns will promote alternatives to plastic, and waste collection points will be installed along pilgrimage and forest routes.

Officials’ remarks

“This ₹840 crore project will make coastal districts plastic-free through new waste management units and upgraded facilities, with resources distributed across three districts,” said MP Kote Srinivas Poojary.

“The plan covers 11 new MRF units, four unit upgrades, 100 collection vehicles, and biomedical waste management facilities, as outlined in the comprehensive DPR,” added Prateek Bail, CEO, Udupi ZP.