In an effort to create awareness on the ill-effects of plastic, the Shanthinagar Residents Welfare Association (SRWA) held a walkathon ‘Say no to Plastic’, on Saturday in Shanthinagar. Around 400 people, including a large number of children, took part in the event displaying placards like ‘Do not burn plastic’, ‘Shanthinagar or Ashanthinagar’ and ‘Less plastic, more fantastic’.

They also staged a street play highlighting the importance of recycling waste and garbage segregation. The participants walked along the streets of Shanthinagar, covering 2.5 km.

President, SRWA, GS  Renuka Prasad said that garbage collection was irregular in the locality. “In the last three four days, no waste has been lifted from households in Shanthinagar,’’ he said. “Last year, we undertook a black spot elimination drive but dump yards have resurfaced again as BBMP is not lifting the waste, forcing people to litter on streets.” Such black spots could be seen at Shanthi Road, Swasthi Road, Lakshmi Road and surrounding streets. “BBMP officers, when confronted, complained about lack of equipment for lifting garbage,” the members said.

Palike Joint Commissioner from East zone, K C Yathish Kumar, who was present at the event, said he has ordered deployment of 12 pushcarts at Shanthinagar to collect garbage. SRWA had held a silent march last January to highlight the lack of basic infrastructure. Shashikala P, another member said they plan to hold such drives regularly. “We are in the process of creating awareness on ‘Two bins, one bag system’’’ she said. 

Plastic ban at Shanthinagar: SRWA  is contemplating a ban on the use of plastic in their locality. Prasad said that for strict implementation, Palike officers should cooperate by holding drives regularly. He said that last year, the association started ‘Buy or rent a cloth bag’ scheme to minimise use of plastic.