World Bank Approves ₹840 Crore to Make Coastal Karnataka Plastic-Free

Kundapur, September 3: In a major step towards environmental sustainability, the World Bank has sanctioned ₹840 crore to help make coastal Karnataka plastic-free. The funding comes under the Karnataka Strengthening of Coastal Resilience Economy (K-shore) project, which is part of the World Bank’s broader South Asia initiative for plastic-free rivers and oceans.

The project will cover a 320-km coastline across the three coastal districts — Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada — and aims to improve waste management, prevent sea pollution, and protect marine ecosystems.

The initiative has received clearance from the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India.

Multi-departmental implementation

The project will be carried out by five key departments: Forest and Wildlife, Fisheries, Urban Development, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj. Each department has prepared its own action plan to meet shared goals such as:

• Reducing plastic pollution
• Improving waste collection and processing
• Preventing coastal erosion
• Creating green jobs
• Conserving marine life including olive ridley turtles and dolphins

Key developments in Udupi district

Udupi Zilla Panchayat has submitted nine Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) — the highest among the three districts. Highlights include:

• 11 new multi-panchayat Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
• Upgrading 4 existing MRFs
• Purchase of 100 vehicles for door-to-door waste collection
• Expansion of waste processing capacity (from 5 MT to 10 MT and 10 MT to 15 MT)
• Strengthening biomedical waste facilities, using eco-friendly incineration technology
• Replicating successful waste management models from Ujire and Padubidri

According to Udupi ZP CEO Prateek Boil, “We’ve submitted detailed plans focusing on infrastructure upgrades and sustainable waste management. The goal is to transform Udupi and the rest of coastal Karnataka into plastic-free zones.”

Forest department initiatives

The forest department will undertake:

• Mangrove restoration and afforestation along rivers and coastal areas
• Bamboo and cane plantations to prevent erosion
• Construction of check dams on 16 rivers flowing from the Western Ghats into the Arabian Sea
• Installation of plastic barriers to stop waste from reaching the sea
• Engagement of local communities and fishermen in beach clean-up efforts

Promoting plastic-free tourism and pilgrimage

As part of the awareness campaign, major religious and trekking destinations will be turned into plastic-free zones, including:

• Kukke Subrahmanya
• Dharmasthala
• Kateel Durgaparameshwari
• Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
• Kollur Mookambika

Plastic alternatives will be promoted among pilgrims, and waste bins will be installed along trekking routes and forest entry points.

Coordinated action across districts

Udupi MP Kota Srinivas Poojary confirmed that the ₹840 crore fund will be distributed among the three districts in coordination with the five departments involved.

“From setting up new waste units to promoting eco-friendly practices at temples and beaches, this project is a big step forward for coastal Karnataka’s environment and economy,” he said.

Source: Official Statements & Project Reports from Udupi Zilla Panchayat and Ministry of Environment & Forests