he world’s first chatbot allowing citizens to report plastic dumps in public places is set to be tested in Goa by theWorld Wildlife Fund(WWF) – India. It will be launched on Thursday and citizens can use WhatsApp to connect with the chatbot. It will ask several questions to understand the type and quantity of plastic dumped. Location and photographs of the dump can also be shared.
Data collected through the chatbot will then be analysed by WWF-India to draw up a strategy to clear the blackspots, with primary focus on dumps located in marine environments.
After its trial period, WWF-India has plans to introduce the chatbot in other parts of the country as well.
Tourism activities in Goa and southern Maharashtra generate large quantities of plastic waste in the marine Environment. These regions, known for their pristine natural beauty, are faced with the challenge of protecting endangered marine species and vital habitats, such as coral reefs, from plastic waste.