NGOs and BMC to come together for zero garbage pilot project

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Mumbai think tanks Bombay First and Observer Research Foundation, and some civil society groups in collaboration with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will launch a zero garbage initiative from Ward 92 in H-West ward (Bandra, Khar and Santacruz areas in western suburbs).

The launch will be Nov 15 as part of Swacch Mumbai Swacch Bharat campaign, a week-long programme organised by NGO Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Sanitation, Cleanliness and Community Health (MGC), along with a number of civil society organisations and individuals involved in sanitation and cleanliness work.

The Swachh Mumbai for Swachh Bharat Week to commemorate the World Toilet Day on Nov 19, is from Nov 13 to 19.

According to members of Bombay First, the initiative is the first step in a larger road map to educate people on making the city cleaner. "The ultimate aim is to transform Mumbai. We will involve people from all walks of life and also ensure that the focus is on areas with maximum footfall and visibility," said Shishir Joshi, CEO, Bombay First.

Other partners in this joint initiative are NGOs Triratna Prerna Mandal, Clean Mumbai Foundation and MCG and Vakola ALM, among others.

Some of the areas that will be covered include Milan subway and flyover, PV Avasare Marg, Daulat Nagar Garden Relief Road, SB Patil Road, South Saraswat Colony Road, Western Railway line between Khar and Vile Parle stations.

Joshi said the main purpose of the drive was to change the waste management practices in Ward 92—moving away from disposal of waste to increased reduction at source.

"We will try to ensure high level of segregation of waste and reduction in the amount of waste sent to dumping grounds. For this we will work closely with the community. We will hold training sessions on segregation and focus on removing community bins kept along the streets," said Joshi.

"For us, creating awareness on zero-garbage is an ongoing process. We will support the Nov 15 initiative and fully cooperate with the organisations taking part," a senior civic official from BMC's solid waste management dept said.