Mangaluru : Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat observed the World Environment Day in a unique way by taking up an exercise to clear garbage dumped beside five state and national highways in Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks on Monday.

The exercise was aimed at creating awareness among the residents about proper disposal of waste. Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer Dr M R Ravi said the Zilla Panchayat had identified 35 places under 38 Gram Panchayats’ jurisdiction where garbage was being dumped indiscriminately. After clearing the garbage, saplings were planted on the site to discourage people from dumping the waste.

The patrolling team that had been constituted to check the menace of dumping garbage had identified five routes where the garbage was dumped rampantly.

The cleanliness drive was conducted at Talapady, Someshwara, Munnur, Belma, Konaje, Manjanady, Malavooru, Adyar, Neerumarga, Bajpe, Gurpura, Kandavara, Puthige, Paduperar, Ganjimutt, Edapadavy, Badagaedapadavu, Tenkamijaru, Kuppepadavu Gram Panchayats in Mangaluru taluk, Kurnad, Golthamajalu, Kallige, Pudu and Thumbe gram panchayats in Bantwal taluk.

Ravi said the response for the programme was overwhelming. Gram and taluk panchayat members, presidents and vice-presidents took part in the drive actively. In addition, the representatives of Ramakrishna Mission and members of various organisations also participated. About 10 JCBs, 30 to 35 tipper/ lorries were used for collecting the garbage to be transported to Pacchanady, the landfill site in Mangaluru, he added.

The Zilla Panchayat is considering a proposal to join hands with NGOs in Belthangady and Sullia taluks to continue the cleanliness drive, he said.

Acting against garbage dumpers, the Zilla Panchayat has already started filing complaints against such persons. Heaps of garbage, mainly plastic waste, were dumped on the road were removed by the volunteers. The heaps of waste dumped had become an eyesore for those who travel on the stretch as dogs and cattle squatter upon the waste and also consume it, he said.

Zilla Panchayat president Meenakshi Shanthigodu inaugurated the cleanliness drive at Pudu Gram Panchayat in Bantwal taluk.

About 65 loads of garbage was collected on the occasion.