TVR: Act soon for sustainable future of B'luru

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Key note speaker Professor TV Ramachandra, from the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science, delivered a speech on the urgent need for a sustainable future, emphasising the crucial importance of clean air, water and environment for the well-being of future generations.

Drawing attention to the unfortunate reality of “irresponsible” citizens in Bengaluru, a city envisioned and built by Kempe Gowda, he lamented the current state of affairs where even the statue of Kempe Gowda has been located outside the city. From there, the visionary leader is forced to witness the transformation of the once vibrant 'Garden City" into a distressing "Garbage City" and, regrettably, potentially heading towards becoming a “Lifeless City”.

The sad reality!

Professor Ramachandra further underscored the pressing issues of climate change and the escalating waste generation. Reflecting on the historical significance of Bengaluru, he highlighted that during the 1800s, the region boasted over 1,400 pristine lakes and flourishing apple orchards and lush vegetation.

However, the stark contrast to the present reality is evident, as the city now struggles with a mere 200 lakes while facing an overwhelming surge in the production of garbage. Individual responsibility Addressing the gathering, he highlighted Bengaluru's critical waste disposal crisis and the rapid degradation of natural water bodies. He stressed the pervasive threat of plastic and micro-plastics infiltrating the ecosystem, endangering humanity and the planet.

To combat this menace individually, he proposed practical solutions: the "5 Rs" of responsibility – refuse, reduce, recover, recycle and reuse plastic. Recognising the challenges of modern lifestyles, he advised prioritising reduction and reuse, while permanently eliminating single-use plastics and carrying reusable bags. He also advocated for segregating solid waste into wet and dry categories, facilitating recycling for municipal corporations. By embracing these measures, he envisioned a cleaner, greener future for Bengaluru.

Simple solution

To promote a better solution, he suggested, "Switching to reusable water bottles benefits both the environment and our health. Plastic bottles can release harmful chemicals like BPA due to temperature changes. By using reusable bottles, we reduce exposure to toxins and minimise long - term health risks."

Highlighting the shift towards convenience, he added, "Previously, flasks were used for coffee, but now singleuse plastic packets prevail, harming the Earth and our well-being." By emphasising on these alarming trends, Professor Ramachandra painted a vivid picture of the environmental challenges faced by Bengaluru.

His thought-provoking examples served as a wake-up call, urging the audience to recognise the urgent need for sustainable practices and responsible citizenship to restore the city's environmental balance and safeguard its future.