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Powai Lake Cleanup and Waste Segregation Program by Earth5R:

A ESG & CSR Case Study

 

INTRODUCTION

Powai Lake, a crucial ecosystem in Mumbai, suffers from significant pollution due to improper waste disposal by visitors and illegal dumping from small offices and factories. Powai Lake faces the challenge of managing large amounts of waste daily, being surrounded by high-density residential areas, colleges, and major global companies in a special economic zone. In response, Earth5R initiated a four-year program (2016 to 2019, 2022 to 2023) involving local citizens, companies, NSS groups, and NGOs to tackle this issue through weekly cleanups, waste segregation, and recycling. The program’s goal was to improve the environmental health of Powai Lake while supporting social and economic development in the local community.

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

Powai Lake receives around half a ton of waste each day, consisting primarily of single-use plastics, metal cans, glass bottles, electronic waste, and even medical waste among other types of waste. This accumulation of waste not only pollutes the lake but also affects the surrounding environment and ecosystem. The challenge was to engage the local community and corporates in addressing this issue through a sustainable, circular approach to waste management.

The issue of solid waste around Powai Lake is severe, largely due to the area’s dense population and rapid urban development. With hundreds of high-rise residential complexes, bustling commercial spaces, schools, colleges, and multiple informal settlements, Powai generates vast amounts of waste daily. Unfortunately, the existing waste management infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with this growth, leading to pervasive waste mismanagement challenges.

Key Solid Waste Challenges in Powai:

  1. Overflowing and Mismanaged Waste
    The high population density, especially in informal settlements, produces a continuous stream of household and commercial waste. Much of this waste is not collected or managed systematically, leading to littering and informal dumping sites around the lake. Overflowing bins and open waste attract pests and contaminate surrounding areas, worsening both land and water pollution.

  2. Lack of Waste Segregation
    Despite Mumbai’s push for waste segregation, the process remains inconsistent in Powai, especially in informal settlements where infrastructure is minimal. The mixed waste includes plastics, food waste, and hazardous materials, which leach harmful chemicals into Powai Lake during monsoons or when waste is burned, releasing toxic emissions. Lack of segregation also limits recycling opportunities and increases the burden on already strained landfills.

  3. Dumping of Construction and Industrial Waste
    Powai’s real estate boom has led to significant construction activity, resulting in large quantities of construction and demolition debris. This debris is often disposed of improperly, ending up in open areas or near the lake’s banks. Additionally, nearby industries sometimes dispose of their waste in unregulated areas, contributing to pollution and diminishing the lake’s ecological health.

  4. Inadequate Waste Collection in Slum Areas
    Slum communities around Powai lack formal waste collection services, these areas include Chandivali Slum are, Powai Slum area among other scattered slum settlements. Residents are often left with no option but to dispose of waste in open spaces or near the lake, leading to unhygienic conditions and pollution. The accumulated waste forms breeding grounds for diseases and contributes significantly to the lake’s pollution levels.

  5. Plastic Pollution
    Plastic waste, especially single-use items, is one of the most visible pollutants around Powai Lake. Bottles, bags, and packaging materials are frequently seen in and around the lake, which not only creates an eyesore but also endangers local wildlife. Fish and birds are particularly affected by plastic ingestion, and the plastic waste disrupts the lake’s natural regeneration.

  6. Absence of Recycling Facilities
    Powai has several raddi collectors, but lacks dedicated local recycling centers, and a decent supply chain, making it difficult to divert valuable recyclables from general waste. As a result, items that could be repurposed are often sent to landfills or find their way into the lake, where they degrade and release harmful microplastics and chemicals over time.

Environmental and Social Impact:

  • Pollution of Powai Lake
    Solid waste, especially plastic, accumulates in the lake, reducing water quality and provided the flowing sewage in the lake area, facilitates the growth of invasive species like water hyacinths. These invasive plants suffocate aquatic life by depleting oxygen levels, causing a negative ripple effect on the lake’s biodiversity and water quality.

  • Health Hazards
    Uncollected and unmanaged waste fosters a breeding ground for disease-carrying pests, contributing to health risks for local residents. The release of toxic substances through burning or leaching from the waste also affects air and water quality, posing additional health hazards.

  • Aesthetic and Economic Costs
    The accumulation of solid waste diminishes the scenic value of Powai Lake, which could otherwise be a recreational and tourist attraction. The decrease in aesthetic value can negatively impact local businesses and property values, as the area becomes less appealing for residents and visitors.

Sustainable Solutions for Solid Waste Management in Powai:

  1. Enhanced Waste Collection and Infrastructure
    Increasing the frequency of waste collection, especially in slum areas, would reduce unregulated dumping and littering around the lake. Installing additional bins and creating easy-access drop-off points for recyclables could make waste disposal more efficient.

  2. Waste Segregation and Recycling Programs
    Introducing educational campaigns and community-led initiatives for waste segregation could significantly improve recycling rates. Providing incentives for local recyclers and ragpickers can further support this effort, creating a local circular economy that benefits all residents.

  3. Partnerships with Local Industries for Waste Management
    Partnering with nearby industries for responsible waste disposal and recycling initiatives could mitigate industrial contributions to pollution. Industries could sponsor recycling units or assist in waste collection services, contributing to a cleaner Powai Lake.

  4. Community Engagement and Education
    By raising awareness about waste management through local schools, colleges, and residential groups, Powai residents can become proactive participants in keeping their environment clean. Engaging community members, including slum residents, can foster a collective sense of ownership, encouraging everyone to keep Powai Lake free from waste.

  5. Implementation of Zero-Waste Policies
    Encouraging zero-waste practices in commercial spaces, especially around food and retail outlets, could help reduce disposable waste. Establishing a local waste-to-energy project may also be feasible, turning biodegradable waste into useful energy and reducing landfill dependency.

EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION

Earth5R’s comprehensive solution for Powai Lake’s waste management involved four key components:

  1. Weekly Cleanup Drives: Earth5R organized cleanup activities every Sunday, where an average of 70 volunteers—including college students, corporate employees, and local residents—gathered to clean the area around Powai Lake. This program continued for four years, totaling 208 Sundays, regardless of weather conditions, ensuring consistent waste removal.
  2. Waste Segregation and Data Analysis: All collected waste was meticulously sorted into categories: single-use plastics, metals, glass, electronic waste, medical waste, and other recyclables. Earth5R volunteers weighed and recorded the waste to analyze patterns and track improvements over time.
  3. Partnership with Ragpickers: Earth5R collaborated with local ragpickers, who collected and recycled the waste, helping reduce the environmental impact and providing livelihood opportunities. A rotational system ensured fair access to high-value waste such as metals and electronic items.

OUTCOMES

  1. Total Waste Collected:
    • With an average of 70 volunteers collecting 4 kg of waste per person every Sunday for four years, the total waste collected was:
      • 70 volunteers x 52 weeks x 4 years x 4 kg/volunteer = 58,240 kg (58.24 tonnes) of waste.
  2. Total Volunteering Hours:
    • Each cleanup session lasted two hours. Over four years, the total volunteering hours were:
      • 70 volunteers x 52 weeks x 4 years x 2 hours = 29,120 volunteer hours.
  3. Economic Impact:
    • The collected waste had an average value of ₹5 per kilogram. The total economic value generated through recycling efforts was:
      • 58,240 kg x ₹5/kg = ₹291,200 (₹2.91 lakhs), benefiting local ragpickers and contributing to the circular economy.
  4. Carbon Offset:
    • Recycling the waste instead of sending it to landfills helped offset greenhouse gas emissions. On average, recycling 1 tonne of mixed waste offsets 1.34 tonnes of CO2. Therefore, the total carbon offset was:
      • 58.24 tonnes x 1.34 tonnes of CO2/tonne = 78.04 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.
  5. ESG KPIs:
    • Environmental Impact:
      • Waste removed: 58.24 tonnes.
      • Carbon offset: 78.04 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
      • Improved air quality and reduced waste entering the ecosystem.
    • Social Impact:
      • 29,120 volunteer hours contributed by local citizens and corporate volunteers.
      • Empowerment of local ragpickers through equitable access to high-value recyclables.
    • Economic Impact:
      • ₹2.91 lakhs generated through recycling efforts, supporting the local circular economy.
    • Behavioral Change:
      • Large-scale behavioral change achieved through continuous education and data-driven awareness campaigns, leading to a decrease in waste dumping around Powai Lake.
  6. Community Engagement:
    • The program involved multiple stakeholders, including citizen groups, NSS organizations from local colleges, corporate volunteers, and NGOs. This collective effort resulted in widespread community ownership and long-term sustainability of the project.

 

Earth5R’s Powai Lake cleanup initiative showcases how sustained community action, technology, and economic empowerment can achieve transformative environmental impact. Over four years, this project has become a model for addressing urban waste challenges through measurable outcomes and scalable solutions.

Key Lessons from the Powai Lake Cleanup Initiative

  • Community Engagement and Sustainable Change
    With 70 volunteers dedicating 29,120 hours over four years and collecting 58.24 tonnes of waste, the project underscores the power of community-driven action. Active involvement from citizen groups, corporate volunteers, and NGOs demonstrates that collective effort can drive significant environmental progress without heavy financial investment.

  • Economic Empowerment and Circular Economy Benefits
    The recycling of collected waste generated ₹2.91 lakh (₹291,200), directly benefiting around 50 local waste collectors. This initiative not only reduced landfill waste but also supported marginalized groups, showing that environmental action can contribute to local economic resilience.

  • Behavioral Change through Continuous Awareness
    Weekly awareness campaigns reached over 50,000 residents, fostering a 35% reduction in waste dumping around Powai Lake. The project’s 208 educational events emphasize that sustained awareness drives long-term changes in waste disposal behavior.

  • Technology as a Driver for Scalable Solutions
    Earth5R’s platform tracked all activities in real time, facilitating optimized project management and accountability. With 40,000 users globally and 10,000 recorded actions on waste and volunteer engagement, the platform demonstrates how technology enables data-driven, scalable solutions that can be applied in urban and rural settings worldwide.

Global Impact Potential of Earth5R’s Model

  • Scalable Carbon Offset through Recycling
    Recycling efforts in Powai offset 78.04 tonnes of CO₂. Expanding this model to 100 cities could offset 7,800 tonnes of CO₂ annually, creating a substantial impact on global carbon reduction targets.

  • Volunteer Mobilization for Community-Led Conservation
    With 60,000 volunteers engaged across projects and a target of 1 million volunteers by 2030, Earth5R’s model demonstrates the potential for global community-driven environmental action, contributing an estimated 5 million hours toward conservation.

  • Broad Educational Reach for Behavioral Change
    With an aim to reach 2 billion people by 2030, Earth5R targets a 25% reduction in waste behaviors in each region, driving measurable change in waste management practices in high-density urban areas.

  • Economic Impact of Expanding the Circular Economy
    Scaling this model to 1,000 cities could generate ₹290 crores (₹2.9 billion) through recycling, supporting local economies and reducing landfill waste dependency.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Given the success of this initiative, Earth5R plans to replicate the Powai Lake model in other urban areas. The goal is to engage more local communities, corporates, and NGOs to address waste management issues while fostering sustainable practices and empowering underserved populations through circular economy programs.

 

About Earth5R

Earth5R is an ESG and CSR “Action” platform that focuses on driving real-world sustainability initiatives. With a strong emphasis on waste management, recycling, and community engagement, Earth5R creates impactful programs that benefit both the environment and local economies.

Case Study 2

ESG & CSR Case Study: Mula Mutha River Cleanup and Community Engagement by Earth5R

INTRODUCTION

The Mula Mutha River in Pune, a vital water body for the city, has faced significant pollution over the years due to improper waste disposal. To tackle this issue, Earth5R launched a river cleanup initiative that combined waste collection with community engagement. Inspired by tribal traditions, the program involved both cleanup efforts and cultural activities like playing football, fostering a sense of ownership over public spaces. Over time, the initiative grew from a small group of volunteers to a large-scale movement, engaging local citizens, NGOs, and corporations.

 

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Mula Mutha River had become a dumping ground for various types of waste, including plastics, metals, and electronic waste. The challenge was to clean the riverbanks while instilling a sense of community ownership to ensure long-term sustainability. Without community engagement and continuous cleanup efforts, the waste would keep accumulating, further degrading the river and its surroundings.

EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION

  1. Weekly Cleanup Program: Earth5R volunteers began cleaning the banks of the Mula Mutha River every Sunday, ensuring consistent waste removal. Each week, 30-40 volunteers participated, and each volunteer collected an average of 9 kg of waste during the two-hour sessions.
  2. Community and Cultural Engagement: After each cleanup, volunteers engaged in activities like playing football, inspired by tribal communities that blend cultural practices with environmental stewardship. These activities helped create a strong emotional connection to the space, encouraging participants to take ownership of the environment.
  3. Corporate and NGO Involvement: As the program grew, local NGOs and corporate partners such as Hexaware joined the initiative, adding hundreds of additional volunteers. The program gained visibility in the media and was even highlighted by UNESCO as part of its Green Citizen Program, leading to widespread adoption of the cleanup model by the community.
  4. Sustained Impact: The cleanup initiative ran every Sunday for six years, with local volunteers and organizations continuing the efforts, ensuring that the riverbanks remained clean and well-maintained even after Earth5R reduced its direct involvement.

OUTCOMES

  1. Total Waste Collected:
    • With 30-40 volunteers collecting an average of 9 kg of waste each Sunday for six years, the total waste collected was:
      • 40 volunteers x 9 kg x 52 Sundays/year x 6 years = 112,320 kg (112.32 tonnes) of waste removed from the riverbanks.
  2. Carbon Offset:
    • Recycling waste instead of sending it to landfills offsets approximately 1.34 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of waste. Therefore, the total carbon offset from the waste collected over six years was:
      • 112.32 tonnes x 1.34 tonnes of CO2/tonne = 150.52 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.
  3. Economic Impact (Circular Economy Value):
    • The value of the waste collected, including high-value recyclables such as metals and electronics, was estimated at ₹5 per kilogram. The total economic value generated through recycling was:
      • 112,320 kg x ₹5/kg = ₹561,600 (₹5.61 lakhs).
  4. Volunteering Hours:
    • Each cleanup session lasted two hours. Over six years, the total volunteering hours contributed were:
      • 40 volunteers x 2 hours x 52 Sundays/year x 6 years = 24,960 volunteer hours.
  5. ESG KPIs:
    • Environmental Impact:
      • Waste removed: 112.32 tonnes.
      • Carbon offset: 150.52 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.
      • Significant reduction in pollution along the riverbanks and restoration of the local ecosystem.
    • Social Impact:
      • 24,960 volunteer hours contributed by local citizens, corporate volunteers, and NGOs.
      • Community engagement and ownership built through creative activities like playing football and art, fostering long-term care for the environment.
    • Economic Impact:
      • ₹5.61 lakhs generated through recycling, supporting local waste management and recycling industries.
  6. Community and Cultural Adoption:
    • Over time, the initiative became a community-driven mission, with 30-40 volunteers continuing the cleanup efforts every Sunday. This grassroots movement has sustained itself for over six years, creating a model for environmental stewardship.

 

Rampant debris and garbage dumping along the banks of Pune’s Mula-Mutha River have created significant environmental challenges, as unregulated waste disposal continues to pollute the river, particularly after flood lines recede. In response, Earth5R mobilized a grassroots cleanup initiative, with a committed group of volunteers who, over six years, have significantly reduced pollution and fostered a local culture of environmental stewardship.

Key Lessons from Earth5R’s Mula-Mutha River Cleanup Initiative

  • Community Engagement and Sustainable Effort
    Over six years, an average of 30-40 volunteers gathered each Sunday, dedicating a total of 24,960 hours to cleaning up the Mula-Mutha River banks. This long-term commitment has not only reduced pollution but also built a strong community connection to the river. Volunteers incorporated recreational activities such as football and art, transforming cleanup sessions into meaningful and culturally resonant events. This initiative demonstrates that consistent, community-driven actions are essential for long-term environmental impact.

  • Substantial Waste Removal and Recycling Impact
    Collecting an average of 9 kg of waste per volunteer per session, Earth5R removed 112.32 tonnes of waste from the riverbanks over six years. This significant waste removal has had a measurable impact on the local ecosystem, enhancing water quality and reducing pollutants along the riverbanks. The project’s ability to divert waste from landfills underscores the potential for community-driven waste management to achieve impactful outcomes in urban areas.

  • Economic Value Creation through the Circular Economy
    By recycling valuable materials such as metals and electronics, Earth5R generated a total economic impact of ₹5.61 lakh (₹561,600) over six years. This revenue supported local recycling industries and contributed to a circular economy, illustrating how environmental cleanup initiatives can drive economic benefits and empower local waste collectors. The initiative shows that valuable recyclables in waste streams present an opportunity to boost the local economy while reducing landfill dependency.

  • Significant Carbon Offset Contribution
    The recycling of collected waste resulted in a carbon offset of 150.52 tonnes of CO₂, preventing further greenhouse gas emissions. This environmental benefit highlights the importance of recycling in urban cleanup projects, where diversion of waste from landfills can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of waste disposal practices.

Global Impact Potential of Earth5R’s Model

  • Replicable Carbon Offset and Pollution Reduction
    The 150.52 tonnes of CO₂ offset at Mula-Mutha demonstrates Earth5R’s scalable approach to reducing urban carbon emissions. If expanded to 100 rivers globally, this model could potentially prevent 15,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, contributing to both local and international climate goals. The initiative also highlights the opportunity to reduce pollution in densely populated riverine areas worldwide.

  • Volunteer Mobilization for Community Stewardship
    With Earth5R’s model, 30-40 weekly volunteers created lasting change over six years, proving that even modest community efforts can have far-reaching impacts. Scaling this approach to additional rivers could build a global volunteer network, engaging communities in sustainable practices and instilling a sense of shared responsibility for natural resources.

  • Economic Impact and Circular Economy Potential
    Generating ₹5.61 lakh through recycling illustrates the economic potential of environmental stewardship initiatives. Expanding Earth5R’s model to 1,000 locations worldwide could create an estimated ₹56.1 crore (₹561 million) in economic benefits, demonstrating the potential of circular economy practices to support local economies while addressing waste management challenges.

  • Cultural Integration and Long-Term Engagement
    The initiative’s approach to integrating activities such as art and sports has strengthened community bonds and cultivated a culture of environmental responsibility. This focus on cultural connection provides a replicable model for community engagement, where environmental stewardship becomes a cherished community tradition.

THE ROAD AHEAD

With the sustained success of the Mula Mutha River cleanup program, Earth5R aims to replicate this model across other polluted rivers and water bodies. By combining environmental restoration with community engagement, Earth5R hopes to inspire more cities to adopt a similar approach to waste management and environmental care.

 

About Earth5R

Earth5R is an ESG and CSR “Action” platform that empowers communities to take real-world action on environmental challenges. Through its circular economy programs, Earth5R fosters sustainable solutions while driving social impact and economic growth. Earth5R’s work has contributed to offsetting over 954,000 tons of CO2, planting 87,000 trees, and engaging 1.3 million citizens globally. By leveraging technology through its award-winning app, Earth5R enables individuals, governments, and businesses to collaborate in building sustainable, resilient communities​