Manage waste well, say children too

by August 28, 2012 Environment

2000 students met BBMP Commissioner and appealed to BBMP to implement an effective solid waste management system for Bangalore. On their part, they promised to completely stop using polythene bags and littering.

Given the current garbage situation in Bangalore, it is interesting to take note of the future generation’s perspectives on the same. Around 2,000 civic club members from CMCA (Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness) voiced their opinion on the whole issue and students from 50 schools signed and submitted a memorandum to Shankarlinge Gowda, the then commissioner of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), on August 3rd.

CMCA civic club children handing over the memorandum to the then BBMP Commissioner Shankarlinge Gowda. Pic: CMCA

A few of the schools that took part in the drive are Sacred Heart Girls High School, Army Public School, St Josephs Boys High School, Prasiddhi School, Baldwin Boys High School, St Josephs Indian High School, St Aloysius Boys High School, Frank Anthony Public School and Delhi Public School.

They made a fervent appeal to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to implement an effective solid  waste management system for Bengaluru by:

  • Making waste segregation in homes, medical and commercial establishments compulsory.
  • Completely banning the use of plastic bags in the city.
  • Introducing effective systems to ensure E-Waste and toxic waste is collected and disposed safely.
  • Creating scientific landfills that don’t pollute and poison our own environment and that of surrounding villages, threatening our right to health and life.
  • Ensuring greater transparency in awarding and implementing garbage removal and disposal contracts.  
  • Ensuring that contractors collect and dispose our waste as per rules and law.
  • Ensuring Pourakarmikas employed by garbage contractors are secured of minimum wages and safe working conditions.  
  • Launching a massive and sustained public education drive in Bangalore to ensure citizens stop littering the streets and start segregating waste in their homes.

The children promised to stop the complete usage of polythene bags and littering. They also said that they would educate others around them to be sensitive to the problems and conditions of Pourakarmikas and treat them with respect and dignity.

CMCA is a 12 year old civil society organisation which runs an innovative civic club program across 6 cities and villages in Karnataka, to inculcate civic and democratic values in children. For more details visit www.cmcaindia.org⊕

Sections:

About Priya Krishnamurthy

Read more by Priya Krishnamurthy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

Explained: How infrastructure projects are costing Chennai its green cover

by July 24, 2026 Environment
As Chennai stayed hot through July, the crucial canopy that gives respite from the heat has reduced because of road expansions and elevated corridors.

Inside her 10x10 sq ft home in Pulianthope, Parvathy faces unbearably hot conditions during the sweltering summers from March to July. Green shade is a rare luxury in her neighbourhood, home to many marginalised families who earn a living making shoes. “We live right under the roof on the second floor, so it’s hot. Even if we open all the windows and doors, it does not help. Here, we end up spending more time on the streets to find respite,” she says. As temperatures continue to climb, residents like Parvathy are left with little relief. Despite July’s arrival with hopes…

Continue reading

Similar Story

Environmentalists demand urgent financial and ecological audit of Kolkata’s Rabindra Sarobar Lake

by July 20, 2026 Environment
Kolkata's 'green lung' is facing degradation because of a lack of maintenance and poor utilisation of funds meant for its upkeep.

Rabindra Sarobar, affectionately known as the "Lungs of South Kolkata," is at a critical turning point. As a designated site under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), Kolkata's living ecosystem requires dedicated protection. Authorities are not supposed to use the lake as a commercial revenue generator for municipal expenses. However, the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), as the custodian of the lake, has failed to safeguard this beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Many Public Interest Litigation (PIL) matters remain pending before the Kolkata High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Yet, KMDA…

Continue reading