Waste segregation during the Lalbagh Flower Show isn’t new. On an average, the 10-day flower show, which culminates on Independence Day, generates 10,000 kgs of wet and dry garbage.
This time, the Horticulture Department has launched a campaign to get visitors to practise waste segregation. Hundreds of volunteers will be part of an awareness campaign which includes educating visitors, placing placards and signage urging people to use the correct trash cans, and so on.
“If we can get 2,500 kg of dry waste into the right bins, it’s an achievement,” said M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Horticulture, Parks & Gardens, Lalbagh.
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“Last year, we had on-site separation of wet, dry, bio-degradable and non-degradable waste. But this time, we want to make inroads into changing people’s attitude. Most vendors have signed an agreement for maintaining litter-free spaces and have earmarked special zones for eating,” said Mr. Jagadeesh.
To help them, the Horticulture Department has tied up with five citizen’s initiative groups. “We wanted officials to ensure a total ban on plastic and see that waste is segregated by the people themselves,” explains Odette Katrak of Beautiful Bengaluru. “Vendors can only use plates made of leaf or arecanut plants.”
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The dry waste collection on Day 6 of the show was 2,500 kg. It was sent to the BBMP’s dry waste segregation unit at Kannahalli, said volunteers. “Dry waste consists of high-value recycling waste such as paper, plastic, cardboard, aluminium foil, cans and low-value products, including cheap plastic, food product covers and packets, which are used by cement companies who powder them for use as additives,” said Smitha Srinath, who represents Swacch V.V. Puram initiative.
After six days, the show is majorly free of litter.
The green show
Over 2 lakh visitors so far
Ten-truckloads of waste
collected daily
Hasiru Dala handling dry waste
Volunteers creating awareness among visitors