Begur residents rid ward of plastic; to clean lakes

Residents of the Begur ward in South-East Bengaluru on Saturday embarked on a massive cleaning drive to rid their area of plastic.

Assisted by the BBMP, as many as 30 RWAs in the ward got together under the banner 'Beautiful Begur Federation' to make the ward clutter-free and without damaged roads.

Saturday's cleaning drive was the 25th week of uncluttering, which started six months ago. Volunteers, including senior citizens, also held a roadshow across the ward. The residents were joined by children from nearly eight schools in the vicinity creating awareness about a clean environment.

"We created awareness in every resident welfare association in the ward, including commercial establishments and malls, about the ill effects of using plastic. We suggested them to use cotton or jute bags instead. With the help of the BBMP, we were able to clear the filth on our roads," said K Prakash, vice president, Beautiful Begur Federation.

Lauding the citizens' efforts, Bengaluru South MLA M Krishnappa assured that the ward will be provided with a low-cost community leaf composting unit in roadside parks or areas with good green cover.

After the successful cleaning drive, residents have now set their eyes on the lakes, as they vow to restore the waterbodies by creating natural lagoons for aeration of polluted water and attract migratory birds.

"Initially, we are focusing on the most active lakes in the ward, including Begur, Hulimavu, Yelenahalli, and other lakes. We will set up strong embankments and layout islands that attract birds and animal species. We are going to start our work with the Begur lake in the coming weeks for which the funds have been allotted," said M Anjinappa, corporator.

Prakash said they would appraise the state government on the Cauvery issue when the ward has scarcity of potable water.