On Friday, trustee VIVEK AALWA of the Alvas Education Trust addressed a gathering at the Alvas Kuvempu Sabha Hall, outlining a roadmap for “Green Dialogue – Action Plan for Clean Villages”. He emphasized that waste reduction, not merely collection or disposal, should become a way of life, and that each village in the coastal belt can achieve cleanliness by mobilising residents, identifying local issues and adopting lasting solutions.
The forum highlighted that pilot activities have already begun in a handful of villages, with plans to expand the programme to many more. A core aim is to craft a locally relevant model for Tulu Nadu settlements, shifting responsibility from individuals or single organisations to a collective, institutional framework that favours sustainable fixes over temporary measures.
Several practical examples were showcased. Jyothi described Karcala’s “Waste to Art” initiative that converts discarded material into sculptures. Chetan Special School, active for two years in the “Green Revolution”, presented eco‑friendly products such as cotton bags, paper flowers, coloured lamps and screen‑printed cloth bags made for the recent Ganesh festival, as explained by Raghunath Bhat.
Sankar Kulal from Sanur spoke about promoting earthenware and other soil‑based products, urging research into local material use. The Mudubidire Evening Group’s “Kalpavruksha Cutlery Bank” was recognised for repurposing single‑use steel items; what began in 2022 with roughly 100 plates now includes over 500 plates, bowls and spoons used in public events.
Dr. Prasanna Kakunje warned that rising consumption strains health and the environment, calling for a shift toward recycling and biodegradable alternatives. Sujatha of Bangalore’s “Kusuri Mane” demonstrated how waste cloth can be turned into pencil pouches and other handy items, stressing the pivotal role of women in environmental stewardship.
Committee representatives from various Ganesh festival organisations shared their green measures. The session concluded with a plan to conduct village‑level surveys covering waste management, water, cleanliness and plastic use, followed by awareness drives and locally adaptable interventions.
Image: kundapraa.com
📰 Source: Kundapra