Mangaluru: Behemoth of plastic waste overwhelms the city and beyond!

Team Udayavani, Oct 18, 2024, 6:36 PM IST

Mangaluru: Imagine a magical scene—a small, tightly sealed container. As the lid slowly opens, a thin stream of smoke emerges. It rises gently, transforming into a massive demon that consumes everything in its path. This is not just a fantasy, but a close analogy to the situation of plastic misuse, which has taken the form of a monstrous Brahmarakshasa (mythical demon), threatening to devour us all. The careless disposal of plastic waste has now ballooned into a mountain-sized problem, causing devastation to our cities, oceans, and livelihoods.

It might be hard to believe, but Mangaluru generates around 300 to 350 tonnes of waste daily, of which plastic accounts for 70 to 80 tonnes. According to a study, approximately 1.2 billion microplastic fragments flow into the Arabian Sea through the Netravati River every day.

The Collapse of a Plastic Mountain

A few years ago, Mangaluru witnessed a landslide of legacy waste in Pacchanady. The enormous heap of old garbage collapsed, flooding nearby homes. A major factor behind this disaster was plastic. If it had been only biodegradable waste, that mountain would have long since decomposed. But the plastic within not only resisted decomposition but also prevented other waste from breaking down, turning into a massive challenge.

Plastic Overrun on Bengre Islands

Post-monsoon, a visit to the islands near Tannirbavi in Bengre reveals a tragic sight. The entire area, including the mangrove forests, is filled with heaps of plastic waste.

Despite these disasters unfolding before our eyes, the absence of any significant concern about plastic usage is alarming. We continue to use plastic recklessly and discard it indiscriminately. Whether it’s a tiny sachet or a rod as strong as steel, plastic is so pervasive that it is threatening to engulf our lives, yet we remain indifferent.

Seminars, but No Solutions
International seminars are held on plastic misuse and global warming. But outside those venues, plastic water bottles and bags continue to mock us. Laws for plastic control exist, but they remain stuck in files. The question looms large—who will rein in this monster that threatens our future generations?

Udayavani’s Call for Awareness

In light of these mounting concerns, Udayavani is launching a campaign to raise awareness about the misuse of plastic. This series will focus on the consequences of our negligence, discuss the shortcomings in the enforcement of control measures, and explore practical solutions that individuals can implement. We also invite suggestions from readers on how to address this pressing issue.

Plastic Piles Along the Roads

What can we do? The world has become plastic-filled! Every trip to the market reveals that a large portion of our purchased items is wrapped in plastic. From a one-rupee shampoo sachet to our daily meals, everything comes in plastic covers. Cooking oil, snacks, and even chips are packed in plastic containers. It has become so ubiquitous that even our special occasions, like weddings, are filled with plastic cups, plates, and spoons. One can hardly imagine a warehouse where 40% of the storage doesn’t involve plastic.

When you walk into any market, there are heaps of plastic waste piled up. On the sides of rivers and highways, it’s the same story—plastic waste dominates. Roads are lined with plastic remnants, and beaches are filled with tons of plastic, causing alarm to anyone who examines the numbers closely.

A Careless Society

Despite Mangaluru having a system for waste disposal, the situation remains grim. Waste collectors desperately request households to separate wet and dry waste. Yet, people lump all their garbage together in a plastic bag and leave it at the gate, washing their hands of the responsibility. Even those who regularly hand over waste often fail to practice segregation.

Government’s Lax Enforcement

There are strict laws concerning plastic use, but they only come into effect when directives are issued by the state or central government. At that point, authorities raid shops, confiscate single-use plastic, and then return to business as usual. Earlier, a Mangaluru civic commissioner had insisted that major waste generators like wedding halls use only reusable items like steel cups, plates, and spoons. However, this initiative failed to gain momentum.

Adding to the challenge is the shortage of staff in the civic body to enforce plastic bans. Currently, there are only two environmental engineers working in Mangaluru’s health department.

What Lies Ahead

It is clear that plastic, one of the most useful materials invented, has turned into a threat due to its rampant misuse and careless handling. The situation is dire, but not hopeless. With efficient plastic waste management practices, we can still avert disaster. Udayavani’s ‘Plastic Chakravyuh’ series aims to shed light on this crucial issue and explore solutions to break free from this trap.

Translated version of Kannada article by Venu Vinod K.S.