Environment minister asks officials to prepare DPR for World Bank-aided Karnataka Shore Blue Pack Project

Khandre expressed concern over the accumulation of 50 tonne of plastic waste every day “along the 317km-long shoreline of Karnataka”. “This poses a severe threat to marine life in general and turtles that come to the coast to lay eggs. It is important that the use of single-use plastic is curbed. Plastic waste is a threat to marine life. This project can help in reducing the negative impact of plastic waste on the coastline of Karnataka,” the minister said.

The World Bank delegation told Khandre that fishermen can also be roped in to remove plastic waste from the coast.

Khandre said the Blue Pack Project will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 840 crore, of which 70 per cent will be provided by the World Bank as a loan and the rest will be borne by the state government.