Bengaluru: In a remarkable move at protecting the environment from further degradation, Karnataka's Minister for Forest and Environment Eshwar Khandre has announced the state government's plan to declare five cities as plastic-free zones. These five cities will be identified soon.

During the commemoration of World Environment Day on June 5, Khandre emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "Special measures will be undertaken to ensure these cities are free from plastic. Proper management of hospital waste, e-waste, and single-use plastics is of utmost importance, given their detrimental impact on the environment and human health. To address these concerns, we will closely monitor the disposal of hospital waste and e-waste."

In order to achieve a plastic-free state, Karnataka intends to implement various measures. This includes a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing and usage of single-use plastics, a strong emphasis on the segregation and recycling of plastics into reusable materials, and the promotion of startups engaged in pioneering research and development to combat plastic pollution.

To support these initiatives, the government plans to establish a green fund in collaboration with corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from the private sector. This aligns with the United Nations' global campaign to combat plastic pollution. Moreover, Karnataka will launch a dedicated campaign in the selected five cities to officially declare them as plastic-free zones.

In addition to this commendable step, the forest department has pledged to plant over 2.5 crore saplings this year, reaffirming their commitment to environmental conservation. Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Khandre cautioned, "The alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi serve as a stark reminder. If we continue to harm our environment, Bengaluru could face a similar situation in the coming years. It is therefore essential that we take immediate action to reduce pollution."

Karnataka's ambitious plan to declare five cities as plastic-free zones marks a significant milestone in the state's commitment to environmental sustainability. This proactive approach, coupled with the promotion of innovative solutions and tree plantation drives, sets a positive example for the nation and reinforces the collective responsibility we hold in preserving our planet for future generations. /BI/