A community-driven initiative titled ‘Hasiru Samvada’, aimed at preventing plastic and other waste from reaching the sea through the Phalguni, Nandini and Shambhavi rivers, was launched at Alva’s College in Moodbidri on Sunday.A joint initiative of Alva’s Education Foundation, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Paryavarana Samrakshana Team, voluntary organisations, industries and educational institutions, the programme has selected 46 villages in the catchment areas of the three rivers for implementing scientific waste management systems to prevent plastic from entering water bodies and harming the marine ecosystem.Speaking at the launch, Kurian, principal of the college, said community-based waste management systems would be put in place at the source to prevent plastic from entering water bodies. The initiative focuses on reducing plastic pollution before it reaches rivers and turns into microplastics.Three-phase implementationThe initiative will be implemented in three phases, Mr. Kurian said.The first phase, from July to August, will focus on baseline surveys, data collection, waste assessment and public awareness programmes, with consultations involving gram panchayats, local organisations, and residents. Students will be involved in the initiative to encourage environmental responsibility. An ‘Ideathon’ will be organised to promote innovative environmental solutions, with selected ideas receiving development support.The second phase, from September to November, will see activities implemented in accordance with the solid waste management rules, including removal of waste from river surfaces and underwater, scientific processing and recycling, safe disposal of non-recyclable waste, and public awareness programmes. Competitions such as Swachha Grama, environmental reels contests, fun reporter contests and student engagement programmes will also be organised, Mr. Kurian said.The third phase, in December, will comprise a two-day conference in which participating gram panchayats will present their waste-management experiences and achievements. Environmental scientists, researchers, and activists will take part in technical sessions to facilitate the exchange of best practices.During the valedictory ceremony of the college, a ‘Swachha Grama Award’ will be presented to the village that demonstrates the most effective reduction in plastic waste entering rivers. Outstanding panchayat development officers will be recommended for State and Central environmental awards, while waste warriors, students, and competition winners will also be felicitated, the principal said.Speaking on the occasion, M. Vivek Alva, trustee, Alva’s Education Foundation, said environmental conservation should not be viewed as an obstacle to development but as an integral component of sustainable progress. The true success of ‘Hasiru Samvada’ would lie in bringing about lasting behavioural and social change, he said.Venkatesh Sanganal, regional co-ordinator, Paryavarana Samrakshana Team, said environmental conservation should evolve into a social movement that transforms people’s lifestyles rather than remaining confined to periodic cleanliness drives. With the increasing purchasing power of people, the volume of waste generated has also risen significantly, making scientific waste management an urgent necessity.He said lifestyle changes once confined to urban areas are now rapidly spreading to rural regions, resulting in growing plastic and solid waste challenges in villages.Jayalakshmi Raikode, deputy secretary, Zilla Panchayat, said environmental protection and public health are inseparable, and government initiatives can succeed only with active public participation.