Bengaluru Sets 2030 Target for Plastic-Free Future

Bengaluru produces 900 tonnes of plastic daily; CM sets 2030 plastic‑free target, govt plans 50 wards plastic‑free this year, eco‑warriors honoured

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced an ambitious plan to make Bengaluru a plastic-free city by 2030, highlighting the urgent need to address the city’s mounting waste crisis. Speaking at the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board’s (KSPCB) golden jubilee celebrations at Palace Grounds, he revealed that Bengaluru generates nearly 900 tonnes of plastic waste every single day, a figure he described as unsustainable for the city’s environment and public health.

The Chief Minister called for collective action from citizens, businesses, and civic bodies to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste segregation. He stressed that awareness and active participation are critical to achieving the 2030 target. As part of the initiative, residents were urged to separate dry and wet waste before handing it over to municipal workers, ensuring more efficient disposal and recycling.

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In recognition of environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, Siddaramaiah announced a ₹1 crore endowment fund to support annual environmental programmes and honour five eco-warriors each year. Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister B. Eshwar Khandre added that the government aims to make at least 50 wards plastic-free within the current year, marking the first step toward the broader citywide goal.

The event also addressed concerns about water pollution. KSPCB Chairman P.M. Narendraswamy pointed out that several sewage treatment plants remain non-functional, allowing untreated wastewater to flow into lakes and rivers. He urged immediate corrective measures and announced plans to expand river-monitoring stations to strengthen water quality checks.

Highlighting innovation, Narendraswamy noted that Dakshina Kannada district has begun constructing roads using recycled waste, encouraging other regions to adopt similar practices.

The celebrations concluded with the Chief Minister, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and Minister Khandre presenting the Indira Priyadarshini Environmental Award to 10 individuals for their contributions to pollution control and environmental protection.