Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre flagged off the World Environment Day 2025 Eco Walk from the iconic Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday, aiming to raise awareness about environmental conservation and plastic pollution.
Speaking at the event, Shivakumar praised Bengaluru as a “garden city” and emphasized the importance of civic pride and environmental consciousness. “This is the fortune of all of us; this is a garden city. There is no such Vidhana Soudha in the entire world. Students and citizens alike should come and see it,” he remarked.
He noted that although the eco walk was initially scheduled for June 5, it had to be postponed due to unforeseen reasons. “We chose to start it from here to give people the chance to experience the grandeur of Vidhana Soudha. The weather is also pleasant — it’s 22°C here, unlike Ahmedabad, where it’s already 40°C,” he added.
As a symbolic gesture promoting eco-friendly transport, Shivakumar also rode a bicycle back to Vidhana Soudha following the walk.
Minister Eshwar Khandre, highlighting the event’s purpose, said, “We have to save the world, save the environment, and save our forests. Thousands of students are participating today. The main message of this year’s World Environment Day is the fight against plastic pollution.”
He stressed that while single-use plastics have been banned, enforcement alone isn’t enough. “We need to turn this into a people’s movement. Laws can be made, but they must be supported by public participation. This eco walk helps raise that awareness,” Khandre added.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students and environmental activists, reinforcing Karnataka’s commitment to sustainable practices and climate action.
