Environmentalist Nagaraj Bajal completes 300-km solo walk to spread awareness on waste management

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 4, 2025: Yes… the man who earlier caught public attention by standing alone with a flex board near Ullal Netravati Bridge and Adyar, urging people not to litter, has once again drawn attention. Environmental activist Nagaraj Bajal of Hasiruva Dala has now undertaken a solo padayatra (foot march) from Karwar to Mangaluru to spread awareness about waste management and environmental protection.

With the slogan “Hasiru Nadige – Prati Hejjeyu Swachhateyedege” (Green Walk – Every Step Towards Cleanliness), Nagaraj began his journey on October 27, flagged off by Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya. His walk concluded in Mangaluru on November 2.

 

 

 

His Routine During the Journey

For seven days, Nagaraj began his day at 4 a.m., walking until 11 a.m. carrying a flex board that read “Do Not Litter.” From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., he visited schools, colleges, panchayats, and religious institutions, conducting discussions on waste disposal, solid waste management, segregation, recycling, plastic ban, and public participation.

He would then resume his walk at 4 p.m., continuing until he reached his daily destination—sometimes as late as 10 p.m. Along the way, he interacted with the public and raised awareness about cleanliness. In total, Nagaraj covered around 300 km on foot from Karwar to Mangaluru.

He halted overnight at Ankola, Kumta, Idagunji, Bhatkal, Koteshwar, and Padubidri. Local organizations occasionally arranged accommodation for him, while on other days, he stayed in hotels at his own expense. Upon reaching Mangaluru, he was joined by his family and colleagues, and together they walked the final stretch before concluding the padayatra.

A Memorable Encounter

While leaving Kumta, Nagaraj noticed a female dog being attacked by a group of stray dogs. He rescued it, and from that moment, it began following him everywhere — even to police stations and panchayat offices. The dog accompanied him for nearly 45 km up to Idagunji, where he affectionately named it “Charlie.”

However, when he woke up the next morning at his lodge in Idagunji, Charlie was gone. “I searched everywhere but couldn’t find her,” Nagaraj said with sadness.

Public Appreciation

Nagaraj’s initiative to create awareness about one of today’s major issues — waste management — has been widely praised. His efforts to educate people about environmental conservation have also earned him admiration and appreciation.