Clean Kinara to focus on zero waste management at Byndoor Utsav

Udupi: As preparations are in full swing for the Byndoor Utsav, scheduled from Nov 1 to 3, Clean Kinara, a youth-driven organisation is focusing on zero-waste management by educating participants to implement sustainable practices.
Subrahmanya Shanbhag, coordinator of Clean Kinara, which is dedicated to beach cleaning, environmental awareness and waste management, told TOI that this is likely the first time such a large-scale festival is being held in Byndoor under the Samruddha Byndoor initiative led by MLA Gururaj Gantihole.The festival aims to showcase the region's local culture, traditions and values while promoting comprehensive development to attract global investors. It will feature stalls that highlight the uniqueness of the area, including its rural charm, food products and art. Sports and cultural programmes have been arranged.
Clean Kinara's 75th beach cleaning activity will also be held on Nov 3. Byndoor, known for its scenic beaches, witnessed the return of olive ridley turtles for nesting a few months ago and according to locals, this happened after a 30-year gap. "This deeply inspired and fuelled our commitment to environmental efforts," said Shanbhag.
The Clean Kinara team will showcase creative ways to reuse plastic and glass bottles at the Utsav. They will replace flex banners with fabric at their stalls, and all volunteers will wear eco-friendly badges made from leaves. Team member Prasad, inspired by a similar initiative he saw in Dharwad, has been working on crafting these leaf badges. The team is currently selecting the best leaves and preparing the badges, with plans to regularly use them in future events if this initiative succeeds.
Further, 50 local families have been selected to take a pledge ‘Swachhata Sankalpa' during the Utsav to adopt sustainable living practices, serving as role models for the town. Clean Kinara also plans to involve children in spreading the message of reduce, reuse, and recycle, especially targeting older generations. Additionally, the team will stress the concept of ‘refuse' when it comes to plastic use, said Shanbhag.
Children will carry placards displaying messages about waste management and environmental conservation, with each placard showcasing a message corresponding to a letter of the Kannada Varnamale from ‘A' to ‘Aha'. The goal is to ensure that the Byndoor Utsav not only celebrates local culture but also becomes a platform for promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living in the community, team members said.