In Bagalur, it's Independence from garbage

The Bagalur gram panchayat has not only planned a grand celebration of Independence Day with a parade and cultural events, but also hopes to give crucial lessons on garbage and water management to school children on the occasion.

"This is the first time any gram panchayat in the state is celebrating Independence Day on this scale with a parade and cultural events. Over 5,000 students from private, government and aided schools will take part in it," reveals the president of the Bagalur gram panchayat , J Munegowda.

Recalling Bengaluru’s experience with garbage and the misery it is bringing to villages nearby by dumping it in their midst, he says segregation and recycling is the solution. Also, seeing the city’s heavy dependance on the Cauvery river for its water supply, he says the emphasis has to be on large-scale rainwater harvesting. “So we are using the celebrations to give a crucial lesson on garbage management and water conservation to students as we believe that if one child is educated, it will teach all its family and even neighbours , thereby carrying the message to many people."

Panchayat development officer, S Ramesh explains that students will be administered an oath to keep their surroundings clean by retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Gopal Gowda and will be engaged in keeping the village clean under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as part of the celebrations.