VV Puram food street set for 'zero waste' makeover

Market Road, or “food street”, as it is more commonly known, used to generate about 8 to 10 quintals of solid waste

The iconic food street at VV Puram in South Bengaluru is all set for a makeover with a traditional feel of Basavanagudi. Supported by the local MLA, resident welfare groups, Rotary Club and volunteers, the street will become a ‘Zero Waste’ VV Puram Thindi Beedhi starting Sunday.

Market Road, or “food street”, as it is more commonly known, with more than 30 eateries serving a variety of vegetarian food, used to generate about 8 to 10 quintals of solid waste including disposable cups, plates and wet waste. During weekends, garbage of up to 12 to 15 quintals piled up. To put an end to this and to generate compost from the waste, a composting unit will be inaugurated by Chickpet MLA Uday Garudachar.

In fact, the vendors supported by local volunteers had started the concept of zero waste just before the lockdown. “The pandemic laid waste the whole exercise. Initially, we managed to reduce waste to just two to three quintals. But after the Covid lockdown, people prefer disposable plates and cups, which add to the garbage,” explained Latha Krishna, former president of Rotary Club Basavanagudi and a local resident.

Supported by Lalbagh West Volunteers Group, VV Puram Thindi Beedhi Association and RWAs, the concept has been reintroduced on a larger scale. “As the street was generating increased garbage, I sought the opinion of all stakeholders. I also studied the kitchen, washing areas. We have arranged for a centralised dish-washing unit to wash, sterilise and deliver the plates to every eatery on an hourly basis,” said Uday Garudachar.

As the waste was largely generated out of kitchens, the volunteers decided that no waste will go out of the street and everything will be converted within the area. “We will convert the food waste into bio-enzymes that can be used again for cleaning and compost. Besides, we will educate customers about the concept. Sale of bottled water will be banned and takeaways will be given to those who bring their own containers,” explained Latha.

Similarly, in the second and third phases, authorities plan to convert the area into a traditional art-hub with an annual cultural day starting this Ugadi. “We all have heard about shoppertainment. We will introduce ‘eatertainment’ by organising a concert at the street. People will enjoy it and help business besides turning the place into a new attraction in Bengaluru. We also plan to invite art students to paint traditional drawings on the eateries giving them a traditional feel,” Garudachar said.