The waste collected during a plogging event held around Agara Lake in HSR Layout on Saturday morning filled up five auto-tippers.
The event was organised by the BBMP under the Swachh Survekshan campaign in association with The Indian Ploggers Army and HSR Citizen Forum.
Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy and BBMP Special Commissioner Randeep D were present during the run. Over 150 people, including BBMP workers, citizen volunteers and ploggers, covered a 1.5-kilometre stretch on the service road near the lake to collect trash strewn around the place.
A large amount of the waste was paper cups, liquor bottles and gutka sachets. The BBMP tried addressing the problem of littering by putting up banners and giving speeches.
“We value citizens’ contribution when it comes to solid waste management in Bengaluru. Just BBMP and a group of marshals won’t be able to keep the city clean or manage waste according to the rules mandated. The support of citizens is very important,” Randeep said, urging citizens to take up the Swachh Survekshan survey to provide better feedback.
Live interactions took place between volunteers, BBMP workers and citizens during the run. Citizens took a pledge to avoid using single-use plastic, stop littering and take part in volunteer activities.
“It is not just about picking up trash. We need to own our streets and make sure that we don’t let ourselves or others throw trash on the road,” V Nagaraj, popularly known as Plog Raj, told DH. The response from citizens, especially on a weekend, shows the citizens’ positive attitude towards cleanliness, he said.