This quote from Sara Relli’s article is a grim reminder of the many articles and “surface” action taken by all the stakeholders of the garbage problem in Kodagu:
We bury waste. We burn waste. We discharge waste into our rivers and oceans. We gasify it and try to keep it out of sight and out of mind as much as it is (humanly) possible. But then trash animals step in — scavenging from open dumpsites, feeding off what human beings discard, reminding people of what they have once consumed and thrown away.
Do we really need TRASH ANIMALS to remind us of the man-made problems?
Mamatha Subbaiah continues to soldier on and remind all of us about the grim realities of the waste management issues in Kodagu. Do send us your feedback to report in the Comments Section – more participation can only do good in provoking the right response. – CLN Newsdesk
Tourism has become a lifeline for Kodagu, relatively recently bringing employment, enterprise and much greater visibility. Coorg ranks amongst the Top 10 destinations in India and the tourist footfall has increased from 5 Lakhs to 50 within a decade (the past three years trajectory especially has been astronomical). But beneath the glossy brochures and ethereal landscape lies an uncomfortable truth – the serious problem of infrastructure, natural resources and last but not the least waste management.
In this article I will be writing about the menace of garbage, since the attention of all the residents of Kodagu has been heightened to this menace. Let me state upfront that the problem is not with the tourists alone, but a habit that the local residents cannot seem to get rid of. Overflowing garbage, delayed collection, and overburdened streets ridden with garbage have now become everyday realities. What is worrying is that nobody seems alarmed.
For too long we have waited and pushed for the government or politicians to take corrective action. But environmental stewardship cannot remain the responsibility of the administration alone. It is time for the major players in tourism – especially the big resorts, hotels and Hospitality Groups to raise their hand and lead the way.
After all, these very same Resorts benefit enormously from Kodagu’s pristine landscapes. It is only fair that they play a proactive role in preserving it.
In the absence of a dedicated waste recycling facility, the hope for sustainable waste management becomes a distant dream. Infrastructure is the foundation for any meaningful environmental solution. Without a functional waste recycling plant, all our efforts will remain an illusion. Real progress is impossible without proper infrastructure.
While public awareness is essential, effective waste management ultimately depends on efficient waste collection systems which comes under the jurisdiction of being managed by Panchayats and Muncipalities in towns. Without source segregation, regular collection and functional waste recycling units the problem will never get resolved.
In summary, the long term solution lies in adopting the principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. By minimizing plastic consumption, promoting Reuse and ensuring proper Recycle systems, we can address the root of the plastic waste crisis rather than merely managing its consequences.
Ultimately change begins with awareness, but it succeeds only through collective action. Government agencies, business and citizens working with equal commitment. Sustainability cannot be an optional practice, it should be the minimum expectation at every village and town which is “aware”, with a “can-do” and “responsible” attitude. A recent video posted in the Swacha Kodagu Sundara Kodagu Abhiyana WhatsApp Group says it all about how a remote village near Tadoba Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra ) is spotlessly clean. There are many such examples – Bhujodi in Kutch and closer home near a group of villages near Arkalgode.
The team at COHERA has shown that with leadership and commitment, the community responds. Support them in making Kodagu Clean and Green by becoming more aware at every level – from small villages to the towns.
To keep the on-going debate on how to drastically reduce garbage in Kodagu alive, I heard an excellent suggestion, which requires determined execution. Every Dussehra there is active collection in the form of “contributions” from shopkeepers, small businesses, restaurants, resorts and just about anybody. Instead, could a group like COHERA be entrusted to collect and install proper waste processing unit(s) in Madikeri and Gonikoppal?
This is “thinking-out-of-the-box” – but if we really want a Clean, Green Kodagu something drastic, yet highly possible like this can be done. The District Administration can also allocate a major portion of the Dussehra spend to put up the required network of garbage bins and small vehicles for timely collection of garbage.
Garbage management in our region needs immediate government intervention. Swachh Bharat Mission sounds good on paper, but on the ground, there is hardly any real impact. Not a single functional garbage recycling or processing unit is seen anywhere. Waste is only being collected and dumped from one place to another, not treated, not recycled, not managed.
We urgently need solutions
1. A full-fledged solid waste management plant with segregation, recycling, and composting facilities.
2. Proper 3-bin dustbins across public areas, tourist spots, markets, and hotels so people can actually follow segregation.
3. Modern, compact waste-collection vehicles that can be operated by a single person efficiently.
4. Decentralised recycling and composting units in Coorg to reduce landfill pressure.
5. Transparency and accountability for the Swachh Bharat cess collected from citizens, where is it being used?
Right now, Swachh Bharat feels like a mission without dustbins, without infrastructure, and without visible results. It’s time for the government to move from slogans to actual implementation. Cleanliness needs technology, planning, and systems, not just speeches.
A powerful reminder of how serious the waste problem in Kodagu has become. It’s true — we shouldn’t need “trash animals” to show us our own neglect. Real change needs collective responsibility: proper segregation, regular collection, stronger infrastructure and active participation from citizens, hotels and local bodies. Only then can we keep Kodagu clean and green,
COHERA is committed and striving to keep Kodagu clean. Change is possible only when we act together.
The COHERA leadership team should be supported in every way possible for their selfless service and ability to get the entire community/all communities within Kodagu to take ownership for a common cause.
First step is “teaching” and reminding people of the” 7 R’s of waste management”
𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠,
𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙪𝙨𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧,
𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚, and
𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙚.
This should be taught at every school, religious establishment (afterall Cleanliness is Next to Godliness). This can be put up at all Community Sanghas to spread the word. The idea is to REDUCE the quantity of waste to be processed to a fraction of what is being generated now.
Once this is done – the entire hospitality sector needs to raise their hands and contribute in setting up a waste processing unit(s). The District Administration should ideally contribute, but we shouldn’t be beholden to them. The Panchayat Team should however play their role or be exposed if garbage collection is not done regularly. Perhaps the MLAs could step in to ensure timely collection.
Enough has been spoken and talked – it’s time for society at large to ACT.
This article is a sobering reminder that Kodagu’s waste crisis is a shared responsibility. The metaphor of “trash animals” forces us to face the hidden consequences of our own consumption. Instead of blaming tourists, we need accountability across citizens, Panchayats, municipalities, and especially the hospitality sector that profits from Kodagu’s beauty.
Without proper infrastructure—particularly a functional recycling facility—even the best intentions fall apart. Examples from Tadoba, Bhujodi, and Arkalgode show that clean, well-managed communities are possible. COHERA’s efforts prove that leadership matters. Kodagu needs collective action now, not more “awareness” alone.
This is a well articulated article- read the Comments section too, as it makes practical suggestions and not “noise” and “accumulation of more garbage pictures” on social media – especially WhatsApp Groups.
Cleanliness is a way of life – go to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Japan – it’s taught in School and to youngsters at home. It’s all about upbringing and values taught to children.
I agree with Appaiah – let’s turn these garbage stories into positive stories as narrated in the video about Tadoba Village in Maharashtra. One hears about good work by Jabhoomi – this needs to be stepped up by all community sanghas which otherwise seem to to let out their wedding halls – sadly contributing to more garbage.
This video was posted in the Swacha Kodagu Sundara Kodagu Abhiyana WhatsApp group. It is very apt as it shows what even a single person can achieve in motivating a village to remain CLEAN and make it a way of life. Once done, every politician will come running to be photographed and take credit.
Can we make this a movement within Kodagu – perhaps Jabhoomi can show the way in making it happen? Let’s post some success stories instead of accumulating more garbage in our WhatsApp posts of more and more garbage being thrown – it’s a poor reflection on us!
Nice article, essential to keep reminding people of the” 7 R’s of waste management”
𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠,
𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙪𝙨𝙚,
𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧,
𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚, and
𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙮𝙘𝙡𝙚.
7 R’s to be followed by each and everyone…for our better living…
Excellent article and this needs to be inculcated by each one of us since our very own existence is depended on having a clean environment with proper waste management.