Kambala stalls to use eco-friendly items

MANGALURU: In order to ensure that the Moodbidri Kambala is a zero-waste one, the authorities have held meetings with vendors, who will put up nearly 150 stalls at the Koti Chennaya Jodukere Kambala, which will be held on Saturday.

Moodbidri TMC chief officer Indu M said, “We are trying our best to ensure that the event is a zero-waste one, by replacing plastic and other disposable plates and cups, with eco-friendly ones. The material has been procured. Cloth bags are being stitched by the students of the Spoorthi Special School, for which cloth merchants are providing the fabric. If successful, this would be the first of its kind zero-waste event being held on such a large scale in the country. Though we introduced the concept last year, it is being systematically planned and implemented this year. Arrangements for composting have also been made,” she said.

TMC president Prasad Kumar said that they are receiving a lot of support from vendors, who are likely to put up about 120 stalls. A meeting was held, and they have already been shown alternatives, to put an end to single-use plastic. “Details from where the same can be procured have been shared. Vendors selling soda sherbet have agreed to replace plastic cups with fibre ones. About 75,000 to one lakh cups of soda sherbet are sold during the event. Moodbidri zero-waste campaign brand ambassadors Sandhya A and Gopal, along with Suhasini from Vedan Trust, have taken responsibility, with the support of council staff and representatives, to ensure that the kambala is successful. Already, awareness messages are being sent to the public through WhatsApp,” he added. “We hope that people change their mindset, not only during this event, but also in the long run,” he said.

Moodbidri TMC Standing Committee chairman Nagaraj Poojary said that over a lakh people are likely to attend the event, and more than 200 pairs of buffaloes are expected to participate. Those accompanying the buffaloes have been told not to carry plastic glasses.

The alternatives have been procured from various places, including Mumbai. Vendors have agreed to sell watermelon pieces in cups made from areca, and sweet corn, and omelette on plates made from leaves. The TMC will also put up a stall with eco-friendly items available for purchase.