Earth Day: Bengaluru activists question environmental cost of dairy

Bengaluru: A group of young activists gathered on Indiranagar’s 100 Feet Road on Saturday to stage a public installation highlighting the environmental and ethical impact of India’s dairy industry.

The protest, part of a coordinated 20-city campaign following Earth Day, aimed to draw attention to the sector's high water consumption and its connection to the beef trade.

The activists highlighted that India, the world’s largest milk producer, is also a leading beef exporter. They argued that the two industries are inextricably linked, as dairy cattle are often moved into the beef supply chain once their milk production declines.

Water stress concerns

The protest comes at a time when Bengaluru is facing water anxiety. Activists cited data showing that producing one litre of milk in India requires 1,078 litres of water.

"In a city where 65 wards are facing shortages, we have to question the footprint of what we consume,” said Sanjiv, a local resident and activist. The group noted that major dairy-producing states, including Karnataka and Punjab, are currently grappling with severe groundwater stress.

The campaign also focused on methane emissions, noting that India's livestock emits roughly 12.7 million tonnes of methane annually. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a significant driver of short-term global warming.

Musician Vasu Dixit, who supported the drive, said that while food choices are often tied to culture and geography, consumers must be aware of their impact on nature.

The protesters called on policymakers to transition towards food systems that prioritise climate goals and resource conservation.