At the crack of dawn on Sunday (March 8), the calm of the Krishna river bank was broken by the chatter of children who had gathered along with their parents to take part in a run aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.

More than 500 people, mostly children, participated in the No-Plastic run organised by Amaravati Walkers and Runners Association (AWARA) in association with Aravinda Schools. D. R. K. Prasad, founder of the Swachh Sundara Challapalli movement, and clean environment crusader Dr. Padmavathi flagged off the run.

Pointing out that only 8% of plastic is being recycled globally, Mr. Prasad said recycling requires intensive effort and high costs. Instead, the focus should be on reducing plastic use. “We lived for many years without feeling the need for plastic. Can we not do it even now?” he asked.

AWARA founder Ajay Katragadda said the large participation showed that people had begun to realise the harmful effects of plastic use. “Whether governments act or not, we must do our part at the individual level to build a plastic-free society,” he said. He added that every runner carried a refillable water bottle and not a single disposable bottle, bag or wrapper was used during the event.

Parents interested in enrolling their children in Sunday Nature Camps may send a message to 9494126812.