Mangalore University leads campaign against plastic pollution

Mangaluru, Sept 19: Mangalore University  (‘Mangala Yojane’ - Village Adoption Programme), under the auspices of  Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education – Govt of India, has organized a public awareness campaign against plastic pollution. The programme was conducted to observe ‘Swachhata Pakhwada’, an initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission, in Konaje and Phajeer Grama Panchyat limits. Students and research scholars of M.Sc. Biosciences and Environmental Science, teaching and non-teaching faculty members of various Departments of the University went on a parade with slogans and distribution of handbills along with the eco-friendly handbag to sensitive general public on single use plastic free and effective management of plastic disposal.

Prof. A. M. Khan, Registrar, Mangalore University released the handbills and addressed the gathering, “Chemical released from plastic items are one of the major causative factors  for  high rate of cancers today,  and plastic wastes  also act as breeding centres for mosquitoes  spreading  contagious diseases such malaria, dengue, chikungunya, etc. It is inevitable to make our environment free from plastic pollution to safeguard our own health and nature”.

Mr. Nazar Sha Pattori, president of Konaje Grama Panchayath handed over the eco-friendly bag and said in his speech that before 1947 our ancestors have fought against British for the independence; today we have to fight against very dangerous pollutant to make the Swacch Bharat dream come true. Public support is very much needed to make our country single use plastic free and reduce the pollution.

Dr. Prashantha Naik, Chairman, Dept of Biosciences and Convenor of the event delivered the preamble of the program and welcomed the gathering. The Single use plastic items such as  carry bags, plates, cups, straw, spoons, water bottle, etc. which constitute 40% of plastic products are major causative factors for plastic pollution and associated health  hazards. We need to stop using single use plastic things to mitigate the negative impact of plastic pollution. Dr. Tharavathy N.C., Coordinator- Environmental Science PG program, proposed the vote of thanks and said that because of our mistakes polluting the nature, not only we ourselves suffer, but also the lives of other organisms are in danger.

Members of Konaje Grama Panchayath,  including Smt. Muttu  N. Shetty, Mr. Achutha Gatti, Mr. A. Ravindra, Mr.  Harishchandra Shettigar, Smt. Vedavathi Gatti. Mr. Mohammed Iqbal were present. Mr. Narasimiah N., Dr. Sharath Chandra K., Mrs. Laveen K.B., Mr. Diwakar M.S., Mr. Chaniyappa led the procession.