BlueCities, an initiative incubated by Earth5R, is India’s first integrated national platform dedicated to restoring rivers, reviving water bodies, and driving sustainable urban transformation.
With the BlueCities Network, we are building the largest community of sustainability professionals on the planet, so we no longer work in silos or keep reinventing the sustainability wheel.
Across cities, sectors, and disciplines, we already have the tools, the talent, and the urgency. What we need now is alignment, collaboration, and shared momentum.
Through BlueCities, we are making sustainability truly sustainable, affordable, scalable, replicable, and reliable.
This is a growing network of people solving real problems, sharing practical solutions, and supporting each other as we restore rivers and water bodies, regenerate cities, and reshape systems together.
Our journey began with managing India’s first United Nations-funded river cleaning projects, setting a new benchmark for citizen-driven environmental action and urban ecosystem renewal.
Today, BlueCities is bringing together India’s leading experts, innovators, and organizations into a collective force for river rejuvenation, climate-smart city planning, and sustainable urban development — placing rivers at the heart of resilient and sustainable city ecosystems.
Alongside environmental experts, CSR leaders, and climate investors, BlueCities is also aligned with the global priorities championed by leading philanthropic institutions such as the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other organizations focused on urban resilience, climate action, and water sustainability.
In addition, BlueCities invites collaboration with sustainability-focused consortiums, strategic investors, and mission-driven organizations seeking to accelerate environmental restoration and scalable urban impact.
By integrating on-ground sustainability action with scalable investment pathways, BlueCities offers a unique platform for driving river restoration, urban resilience, and the circular economy — while contributing meaningfully to India’s climate goals and global ESG commitments.
The Background
Earth5R stands for the five pillars of sustainability: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse, and Restore. Saurabh Gupta, the founder and CEO of Earth5R, transitioned from a corporate HR role to environmental activism.
After cycling 50,000 km across various countries, he was inspired to initiate community-driven sustainability projects. Along with architect Bharti Marathe, he co-founded Earth5R, starting with local initiatives like rejuvenating the Powai Lake in Mumbai.
Earth5R has since expanded its reach to 65 countries, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, scientific waste segregation, and community engagement. The organization has been recognized by the French President and the United Nations.
Notably, Earth5R collaborated with the UN on India’s first river-cleaning project, one the three members of the consortium securing €0.6 million in funding. Earth5R also partners with global experts, including Dr. Julie Newman, Director of Sustainability at MIT, one of the founding advisors of BlueCities Network, to foster innovation and knowledge sharing.
BlueCities host weekly meetups to bring environmental professionals together and podcasts featuring expert discussions on sustainability best practices.
One such dimensional meetup took place on 16 May 2025, featuring numerous industry experts alongside Founder & CEO Saurabh Gupta and Co‑Founder & VP Architect Bharati Marathe, centered on BlueCities river‑cleanup and sustainability drives to uplift our rivers across the Indian subcontinent.
The term “BlueCities” reflects Earth5R’s vision of prioritizing rivers and lakes in urban sustainability, going beyond the traditional Green Cities concept. Inspired by the urgent need to restore urban waterways, the “BlueCities” initiative is a transformative program focused on revitalizing water bodies and driving sustainable urban development through data‑driven diagnostics, community first mobilization, and ecosystem regeneration
Our work is guided by the stark reality that only 0.3% of the Earth’s water is usable freshwater National Geographic EducationCenter for Science Education and that India faces a severe water-pollution crisis—with over 70% of its surface water contaminated, causing around 50,000 deaths a year and costing the economy roughly 6% of GDP UDA Digest –ShunWaste. Earth5R highlights the critical need for collaborative, scalable, and long-term solutions.
The key aspects of our BlueCities initiative Earth5R are an amalgamation of critical factors: a focus on water restoration—through rejuvenation of rivers, lakes, and wetlands like the Ganga model Reviving the Ganga Earth5R and the Periyar blueprint Periyar River Revival Earth5R—and tackling urban water pollution head-on.
By carrying out community-driven initiative drives Earth5R and training individuals as eco-leaders Earth5R to lead waste segregation and composting efforts, we build local ownership. Utilizing its Google-awarded app Earth5R, Earth5R leverages AI and data analytics to track and enhance the effectiveness of sustainability projects.
Also, Researchers who can provide scientific insights into climate change and ecosystem management, Experts who can mobilize capital and manage funds for environmental projects, Professionals experienced in AI, IoT, and other technologies applicable to environmental solutions, Representatives from corporations who can align their social responsibility initiatives with environmental goals, Professionals who can draft policies and legal frameworks to protect the environment and Individuals who can engage and educate the younger generation on environmental issues.
It just doesn’t stop there at all, we also extend hands with Psychologists and other professionals who can design interventions to promote sustainable behaviors, Stakeholders from regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, which are significantly affected by climate change, Designers who can create impactful visuals to support environmental campaigns, Professionals who can assess and report on the outcomes of environmental initiatives and highly crucial Individuals with a substantial following who can amplify the message of environmental sustainability.
One exciting part of our plan is the introduction of City Fellows or Local Champions—students and youth leaders who will be selected to lead programs in their own cities. This is part of our broader Blue Cities Network, and we’re looking for people who can fit into various roles.
The stronger our network, the greater the impact we can all make together. A five year plan has also been laid down to convert our vision into reality and put into practise all the attributed resources and strength required to bring in the required swift of change and movement.
The broader vision of the BlueCities initiative involves mayors, professors, students, and community leaders and their unwavering support and various river cleanups, urban waste solutions, and circular economy initiatives.
Therefore keeping all this in mind and the importance of our water bodies all across the country, Earth5R came up with this new engagement of keeping weekly sustainability meetups and actually taking a massive step towards community building and protecting the cause of making this planet truly a better place for mankind.
Championing Urban Sustainability: Architect Bharati Marathe’s 12-Year Journey
Architect Bharati Marathe
Architect Bharati Marathe, co-founder and VP of Earth5R, continued by introducing her 12-year journey in environmental sustainability. She shared her opinions on how she initiated community-driven workshops that evolved into platforms for environmental participation.
From Eco-Friendly Birthday Parties to Decentralized Composting and Empowering Grassroots Change in BlueCities
Notably, she transformed children’s birthday parties into eco-friendly events involving cleanup drives and tree planting, replacing traditional return gifts with saplings. Her personal commitment is evident in her own balcony’s transformation into a green space, serving as a model for urban greening.
Under her leadership, Earth5R implemented decentralized composting units in residential areas like Raheja Vihar and Hiranandani in Powai. These initiatives included training citizens and housekeeping staff in waste segregation and composting.
Additionally, the ACT Powai project empowered slum women to create dolls from Starbucks coffee waste, promoting livelihood through circular economy practices. Through Earth5R, Bharti Marathi continues to foster multidisciplinary collaborations aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Then in the sustainability meetup ahead the panel was open for our esteemed guests who were renowned industry experts to come forward and share their extremely great efforts and work diversifications into the field of environmental sustainability with relation to River restoration and clean up initiatives.
They shared their valuable industry experience and also soaked in the information and the grass root level idea of how and what the BlueCities initiative is all about and how we can collaborate such creative forces and become one in this aim of cleaning up our rivers and actually emerging successful in it.
The session commenced by inviting the very first guest speaker on the platform Ms.Narasamma Nippatlapalli, Assistant Professor at IIT Tirupati and her vision portrayed a strong inclination towards sustainable development in the cosmopolitan cities.
Sustainable Water Management in Cosmopolitan Environments: Prof. Narasamma’s Integrated Approach
Professor Narasamma Nippatlapalli
Introduction & Scope of Work
Professor began her talk by first introducing herself and giving an overview about her work and related activities. She emphasised the sustainable development of cosmopolitan environments, particularly in Tirupati and SriKalahasti.
Key Polluted Water Bodies
She highlighted the challenges posed by the high floating populations in these areas, which significantly impact pollution levels. She also identified key water sources such as Kalyani Dam, Mini Cheru, Kovanur Lake, Koramin Buddha, and Pacheru, noting that many of these have become polluted due to solid and liquid waste.
Urban Water Challenges in Tirupati & SriKalahasti
Specifically, Mini Cheru, a major drinking water source in Tirupati, has been heavily contaminated, prompting efforts to rejuvenate it. Similarly, the Sonamukhi River in Sri Kalahasti, once a primary water source, is now overwhelmed with solid waste, leading to ongoing studies on its self-purification capacity.
Waste-to-Wealth & Circular Economy Applications
Professor Narasamma’s team is actively working on converting waste into wealth by utilizing industrial by-products like slag from steel industries to treat wastewater. They have developed a pilot-scale slag-based bed currently operating at a sewage treatment plant.
Additionally, they are exploring the use of banana peels and eggshells in a baffled electrochemical system to treat contaminated water, producing nutrient-rich sludge used for plant growth. The team has also patented an inclined electrode reactor designed to remove emerging contaminants from water.
Their integrated and sustainable approach encompasses wastewater treatment, nutrient-rich sludge production, portable release of treated sewage, circular economy achievement, and landfill reduction.
Policy Collaboration & Community Outreach
Collaborating with the Pollution Control Board, they are formulating policies and guidelines for solid waste management, particularly focusing on improving sanitation in government schools.
The team engages in sample analysis, workshops, awareness campaigns, and conferences to promote their initiatives. Professor Narasamma concluded with a poignant message: “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water,” underscoring the critical importance of water conservation.
The Vital Role of Water Conservation
Beyond technical solutions, Professor Narasamma is committed to community engagement and education. She organizes awareness programs, taking government school students to polluted water bodies to educate them on pollution sources and the importance of water treatment. Feedback from local residents is also gathered to inform these initiatives.
At the academic level, she ensures that students participate in cleaning activities and visit sewage treatment plants to understand real-world waste management challenges. Beyond research, Dr. Narasamma is dedicated to community engagement.
She organizes awareness programs for government school students, guiding them through polluted water bodies to illustrate the impacts of pollution and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Her educational initiatives extend to her students at IIT Tirupati, where she incorporates practical experiences in wastewater engineering and solid waste management, including campus clean-up drives and visits to treatment plants.
Through workshops and conferences, her team promotes integrated solid and liquid waste management strategies, aiming for a circular economy and improved sanitation in government schools.
Her insightful thoughts and unwavering motivation towards making a difference and helping the water bodies transform into clean usable water is something that is extremely appreciable and applaud worthy.
Then after the beautiful insightful sharing by Professor Narasamma the panel invited Dr CBS Dutt, Former Deputy Director, NRSC/ISRO and his underlying vision was to create more awareness regarding the Lung Spaces and Tree cover Surveillance: Using Satellite and Geospatial Data.
Championing Urban Green Infrastructure: Dr. C.B.S. Dutt’s Vision for “BlueCities”
Dr. C.B.S. Dutt
His vision brought a new element of uniqueness and freshness into the overall foundation of our sustainability meetup and opened our eyes and minds into looking from his lens and making a huge difference in achieving our goals.
Lung Spaces & Public Health
Dr. C.B.S. Dutt began his presentation by emphasizing the critical need for lung spaces and urban tree cover, especially in the context of increasing urbanization and environmental degradation.
He acknowledged Mr. Sourabh Gupta for the relevant theme and expressed his pleasure in sharing the platform with his industry colleague, an expert in effluent and sewage treatment systems.
He further emphasised that urban green spaces, often referred to as “lung spaces,” are vital for ensuring environmental sustainability, public health, and overall quality of life in rapidly urbanizing areas. These spaces encompass parks, urban forests, and tree-lined streets, serving as natural sanctuaries that offer numerous benefits.
Urbanization’s Environmental Toll
Dr. Dutt highlighted that when individuals consider settling in an urban area, their priorities typically include adequate water, energy, environmental quality, infrastructure, safety, and recreational opportunities. Yet, most urban environments today resemble “gas chambers” due to severe air pollution—cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad being prime examples.
Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect Through Green Infrastructure
He noted that while citizens seek green and peaceful spaces for relaxation, such as parks and urban forests, accessing them often requires navigating through heavily congested, polluted routes.
Despite having parks like KBR Park in Hyderabad or the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru—with over 2,000 tree species—many cities lack sufficient and accessible green spaces.
One of the primary advantages of urban green spaces is their role in mitigating the urban heat island effect. Trees and vegetation provide shade and facilitate evapotranspiration, which cools the surrounding air.
Multifaceted Benefits: Energy Savings, Air Quality Improvement & Carbon Sequestration
This cooling effect not only enhances comfort for city dwellers but also reduces the reliance on air conditioning, thereby lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, urban greenery plays a crucial role in improving air quality. Trees absorb pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter, leading to cleaner air and reduced respiratory issues among residents.
Additionally, green spaces contribute to carbon sequestration, capturing carbon dioxide and storing it, which is essential in combating climate change.
Enhancing Well-Being & Resilience: Social Health, Biodiversity, and Stormwater Management
Beyond environmental benefits, green spaces offer significant social and health advantages. Access to parks and natural areas encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and promotes mental well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can lead to lower rates of chronic diseases and improved overall health outcomes.
Furthermore, urban green spaces support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species, contributing to ecological balance within city environments. They also play a role in stormwater management by absorbing rainfall, reducing runoff, and preventing flooding.
In light of these multifaceted benefits, it’s imperative for urban planning and development strategies to prioritize the creation and maintenance of green spaces. Ensuring equitable access to these areas is also crucial, as disparities in green space distribution can lead to health and environmental inequities among different communities.
Mixed-Strategy Carbon Management & Tech-Driven Urban Forestry Monitoring
By integrating green spaces into urban landscapes, cities can enhance resilience against climate change, promote public health, and foster more livable and sustainable environments for all residents.
Dr. Dutt connected the concept of “BlueCities” with the vision of achieving net-zero emissions. Using Hyderabad as a case study, he mentioned that the city consumes approximately 90 million units of electricity daily.
Based on emissions factors, this translates into around 22 million tons of carbon emissions annually. He pointed out that urban greenery alone cannot offset such a massive carbon footprint.
Therefore, cities must adopt a mixed approach for carbon sequestration and sustainable development.
Dr. Dutt expressed concern about the lack of systematic monitoring and maintenance of urban tree cover. Many trees are planted as part of campaigns but are later neglected. Despite being an advisor to the State Forest Department, he observed that true urban forestry practices are often lacking.
In addressing the technological integration required for sustainable urban development, Dr. C.B.S. Dutt emphasized the pivotal role of remote sensing, GIS, drones, and machine learning. These technologies enable effective monitoring, predictive analysis, and management of urban tree cover, including identifying hazardous trees.
He outlined several key challenges to creating “Blue Cities,” such as rapid urbanization, weak policy frameworks, limited public awareness, and the increasing frequency of climate-related stress events like storms.
To overcome these, Dr. Dutt recommended implementing comprehensive green space master plans, utilizing IoT-based surveillance, promoting rooftop and vertical greening, and adopting modern agricultural innovations like hydroponics and aeroponics—especially important in densely built environments with high-rise structures.
He stressed the need for mixed strategies combining green infrastructure and energy-saving measures, advocating that at least 50% of city planning efforts be directed toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Through this multifaceted approach, cities can move closer to becoming truly sustainable and resilient.
In conclusion, Dr. Dutt advocated for integrated, scientifically backed, and community-involved efforts to enhance urban green cover as a foundational step toward sustainable urban living and the realization of the Blue Cities vision.
The level with which Sir presented and aligned his ideas and approaches with the fundamentals of the BlueCities ideas was par excellence and highly commendable. The panel was truly enlightened by his gracious presence and amazing insights and knowledge.
The next speaker in the line was Professor Goutam Banerjee, Former consultant at IIT-BHU and with a vast industry experience and amazing problem solving techniques to combat the issues of environmental degradation and resource cultivation. He came with a vision of Holistic and Integrated River Cleanup Approach in Indian Context.
Paving the Way Forward: Transition to Holistic River Cleanup Vision with Prof. Goutam Banerjee
Professor Gautam Banerjee
Professor Gautam Banerjee from IIT-BHU delivered a comprehensive presentation on the evolution of river rejuvenation efforts in India, emphasizing a holistic and integrated approach to river cleanup.
From the Ganga Action Plan to Namami Gange: Evolution of India’s River Rejuvenation Efforts
He began by discussing the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) launched in 1985–86, which initially focused on intercepting and treating domestic and industrial wastewater in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, with full funding from the central government.
GAP Phase II later expanded to other rivers like the Yamuna, Gomti, and Damodar, introducing shared funding between central and state governments. This progression led to the launch of the Namami Gange Programme in 2014–15, a more comprehensive initiative with a ₹20,000 crore outlay aimed at pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the Ganga.
Key components of this program include the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), riverfront development, control of plastic pollution, monitoring of industrial effluents, and public awareness campaigns. The program also emphasizes biodiversity conservation, afforestation, and water quality monitoring, requiring support from all levels of government and the public to achieve its goals.
Professor Gautam Banerjee’s emphasis on technical rigor in river cleanup initiatives aligns with the evolving strategies of India’s river rejuvenation programs, particularly the Namami Gange Programme. His recommendations underscore the necessity of comprehensive, data-driven approaches to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of river pollution.]\
Targeted River Stretch Assessments & Sustainable Treatment Solutions
To effectively address river pollution, conducting comprehensive baseline studies is essential. These assessments provide a clear understanding of existing water quality, pollutant loads, and ecosystem health, enabling the design of targeted and efficient remediation strategies.
Pollution Load Assessment
Accurate pollution load assessments are crucial for identifying the specific contaminants and their sources within different river stretches. For instance, during religious festivals, there is often a significant increase in pollution levels due to the influx of devotees and associated activities.
Monitoring these variations allows for the implementation of timely and focused interventions. Recent reports highlight the severe pollution in rivers like the Panchaganga, where untreated sewage and industrial effluents have led to low oxygen levels and fish deaths, emphasizing the need for targeted pollution load assessments.
Constructing Sustainable Treatment Systems
Based on the findings from baseline studies, the construction of appropriate wastewater treatment systems is imperative. Technologies such as Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs), constructed wetlands, and low-cost decentralized systems offer sustainable solutions for treating sewage and industrial effluents.
Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
SBRs are an activated sludge process for wastewater treatment that operates in batch mode, allowing for efficient treatment of varying influent qualities. They are particularly suitable for areas with fluctuating wastewater flows and can achieve high-quality effluent standards.
Constructed Wetlands
These are engineered systems that use natural processes involving wetland vegetation, soils, and associated microorganisms to treat wastewater. They are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and suitable for small to medium-scale applications.
Low-Cost Decentralized Systems
Technologies like the Johkasou system, which is compact and easy to operate, are ideal for rural and peri-urban areas. These systems provide effective treatment with minimal maintenance and are resilient to varying wastewater loads.
Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) are centralized facilities designed to treat industrial effluents from multiple industries, ensuring that the treated water meets environmental standards before being discharged into water bodies.
Key Features
Design Standards
CETPs are typically designed to achieve effluent parameters such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) below 250 mg/L, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) under 30 mg/L, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) below 100 mg/L.
Sludge Management
A comprehensive sludge management plan is essential, detailing the characterization of sludge (hazardous or non-hazardous) and its proper disposal or recycling methods.
Monitoring and Compliance
CETPs must install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to ensure real-time monitoring and compliance with discharge norms.
Recent Developments
In regions like Delhi, several CETPs have been found failing to meet discharge standards, leading to high levels of pollutants like fecal coliforms in rivers.The CPCB has updated guidelines to enhance the performance of CETPs, focusing on minimizing water contamination and improving treatment efficiency.
Hybrid Annuity PPP Model & Circular Economy Partnerships
The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014–15, exemplifies a comprehensive approach to river rejuvenation, aligning closely with Professor Banerjee’s recommendations and the BlueCities vision.
With a significant investment of over ₹22,500 crore, the programme focuses on pollution abatement, conservation, and rejuvenation of the Ganga through initiatives such as the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), riverfront development, plastic pollution control, industrial effluent monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.
Moreover, the programme emphasizes technical rigor by incorporating advanced treatment technologies and promoting continuous monitoring of water quality. For instance, Sequence Batch Reactors (SBRs) are employed for efficient sewage treatment, and real-time water quality monitoring stations have been established along the river.
This is how the Namami Gange Plan can be well aligned with our BluCities approach and vision. Professor Banerjee advocates for economic models rooted in circular economy principles, emphasizing resource efficiency and sustainability. This includes implementing Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to leverage private sector expertise and funding.
Financing, Stakeholder Collaboration & Environmental Education Models
Notably, the Namami Gange Programme has adopted a hybrid annuity PPP model for developing wastewater treatment infrastructure, ensuring long-term operation and maintenance commitments from private entities.
Additionally, appropriate tariff structures are recommended to ensure the financial viability of treatment facilities, promoting responsible consumption and waste management. On the social front, Professor Banerjee emphasizes the importance of collaboration among government departments, NGOs, educational institutions, and charitable organizations.
The Namami Gange Programme reflects this through extensive stakeholder consultations at various administrative levels, including community and household engagements, to incorporate local environmental concerns and needs. Furthermore, integrating environmental education at the school level is crucial for fostering environmental stewardship from a young age.
Studies have shown that environmental education enhances students’ knowledge, skills, and motivation to engage in sustainability practices. Professor Banerjee’s holistic strategy underscores the necessity of combining technical rigor with ecological sensitivity, economic viability, and social inclusivity.
Consolidating Technical Rigor and Community Resonance in Sustainable River Rejuvenation
Professor Banerjee, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Bombay, delivered an insightful session at the BlueCities Sustainability Meetup, emphasizing the critical role of technical precision and data-driven strategies in river rejuvenation efforts. His expertise aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Namami Gange Programme, India’s flagship initiative aimed at the effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the National River Ganga.
The Namami Gange Programme employs innovative, technology-driven strategies to restore and protect the Ganga. These include GIS-based wetland monitoring, LiDAR drain mapping, aquifer recharge, and stricter pollution control measures. Such advancements play a pivotal role in achieving the mission’s goal of a cleaner and healthier river for future generations.
Professor Banerjee’s insights underscore the importance of integrating scientific research and technological innovation in environmental management. By aligning with these principles, programmes like Namami Gange can enhance their effectiveness, ensuring the sustainable rejuvenation of India’s rivers. His contributions resonate with the BlueCities approach, aiming to bring a positive and desired revolution in securing the water resources of our country.
From Film to Recycling Innovation: Sarah Tantray’s Rebot Reverse Vending Revolution
Sarah Tantray
The next esteemed speaker was Ms Sarah Tantray, who is at the Lead Strategic Partnerships at FCF India and her ideas and vision were based on Circular Economy: PET recycling.
Sara Tantray, based in Mumbai, has transitioned from a background in films and advertising to environmental initiatives. In 2015, she co-founded Wild West Innovations (WWI), launching a project called Rebot, which introduced reverse vending machines (RVMs) for recycling PET bottles.
Their pilot project in 2016 at Churchgate Station, Mumbai, gained significant attention, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission. The initiative went viral, largely because it aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission and was mistakenly perceived as a government-led project.
This success helped her partner with multiple public entities such as BMC, Indian Railways, airport authorities, and metro systems. Initially, she tried a revenue model based on advertising, but it proved unsustainable. So, she pivoted towards CSR collaborations and later expanded into the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) space as policies around EPR became clearer.
She worked with major clients like Reliance, ONGC, and others under EPR mandates. At one point, she was in discussions with Bisleri regarding installing our machines, but they eventually launched their own version of a bottle-return initiative inspired by our model.
Incentivizing PET Recycling with “Rebot” Reverse Vending Machines
Her RVMs were branded under the name “Rebot” – ‘Re’ for recycle and ‘bot’ for bottle – and primarily targeted PET bottles, a highly recyclable material with strong demand in the circular economy.
The machines, resembling ATMs, allowed users to insert empty plastic bottles, which were crushed inside. In return, users received coupons tied to retail partners like coffee chains and Reliance Retail, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling. The goal was to change consumer behavior by showing that PET has value and should be returned to the system instead of discarded.
The RVMs incentivized recycling by offering coupons redeemable at partnered outlets, promoting behavioral change towards waste management. The Rebot initiative focused on collecting and recycling PET plastic bottles.
Users would deposit empty bottles into the machine, which would then shred them on-site. In return, users received discount coupons redeemable at partnered outlets, incentivizing responsible disposal. This approach not only encouraged recycling but also integrated consumer engagement through rewards.
Sara’s innovative approach to promoting recycling through Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), branded as “Rebot” (a fusion of ‘Re’ for recycle and ‘bot’ for bottle), has been instrumental in encouraging responsible disposal of PET bottles. These machines, resembling ATMs, allow users to insert empty plastic bottles, which are then crushed on-site.
In return, users receive discount coupons redeemable at partnered outlets, such as coffee chains and Reliance Retail stores, incentivizing recycling behavior. This initiative not only emphasizes the value of PET bottles in the circular economy but also integrates consumer engagement through rewards.
In a similar vein, Coca-Cola India and Reliance Retail launched the “Bhool Na Jana, Plastic Bottle Lautana” initiative, focusing on post-consumer PET collection through RVMs and collection bins at Reliance Retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi. Consumers can deposit used PET bottles and receive discounts on Coca-Cola India products, promoting sustainable practices and supporting the Government’s Swachh Bharat Mission.
Advancing Circular Economy & Carbon Finance through Strategic Partnerships
In recent years, Sara expanded her work to include carbon credit projects with Fair Climate Fund (FCF) India, focusing on nature-based solutions and ESG services, aiming to support marginalized communities and promote sustainable practices.
Sarah Tantray, serving as the Lead for Strategic Partnerships at FCF India, has been instrumental in forging collaborations within the climate-tech and carbon markets sectors. Her efforts focus on connecting smallholder farmers with corporate clients to scale carbon credit generation and implement nature-based solutions.
FCF India, a mission-driven social enterprise, leverages international carbon markets to drive impactful climate interventions in developing nations, aligning its projects with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Climate Action, Gender Equality, and Good Health and Well-being.
Recent initiatives by FCF India include enabling climate resilience for smallholder farmers in rural Odisha, strengthening rural livelihoods in tribal districts of Odisha, and restoring barren uplands in West Bengal and Jharkhand. These projects aim to mobilize carbon finance to fund community-driven climate action and sustainable growth. For instance, the Enabling Climate Resilience for Smallholder Farmers in Rural Odisha project focuses on landscape restoration and carbon market integration to build systemic resilience.
Beyond technological solutions, Sarah emphasizes the importance of education and community involvement. Through school programs and beach clean-up activities, her initiatives have raised awareness about plastic pollution and sustainability. By distributing recycled products as incentives, these programs have fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among participants.
Sarah’s journey from media to environmental entrepreneurship exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development, integrating technology, community engagement, and innovative financial models to address pressing environmental challenges. Her leadership at FCF India continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Our next speaker in the BlueCities Sustainability Meetup was Dr Sk Mosaraf Hossain who is a Master Trainer at Agriculture Skill Council of India and he brought along the vision of Sustainable Agriculture.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Agriculture 4.0: Dr Sk Mosaraf Hossain
Dr Sk Mosaraf Hossain
Dr. Sk Mosaraf Hossain, Master Trainer at the Agriculture Skill Council of India, has been a leading advocate for Agriculture 4.0—a transformative approach that integrates advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance sustainable farming practices.
This evolution in agriculture aims to address pressing challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and the need to feed a growing global population by improving productivity and sustainability.
AI-Driven Pest Management in Cotton Cultivation
India is actively embracing AI and ML to revolutionize its agricultural sector. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch an AI-based system for managing bollworm pests, which significantly impact cotton crops, especially in regions where pink bollworm infestations are rising.
The genetically modified Bt cotton, previously considered resistant to these pests, has shown reduced effectiveness as pink bollworms develop resistance. In addition to the AI initiative, the minister will inaugurate the National Soil Spectrum Spectral Library in Nagpur.
This library, developed by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, provides crucial data on soil properties such as pH, density, and nutrient content across various regions.
The launch event, to be held at the Suresh Bhat Auditorium, will also include an address to over 1,500 farmers and participation from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. These steps aim to enhance pest management and improve agricultural productivity using advanced technologies.
IIT Kharagpur’s Groundbreaking Agricultural Robot
Researchers from IIT Kharagpur’s Mechanical Engineering Department have developed an advanced agricultural robot designed to detect plant diseases and precisely apply pesticides. Funded by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the project is led by Professor Dilip Kumar Pratihar alongside PhD and project students.
The semi-automatic tracked mobile manipulator features a serial manipulator mounted on a tracked vehicle, allowing it to traverse diverse agricultural terrains. Unlike drones, which can suffer from image quality issues due to air disturbances, this ground-based robot uses camera-based image analysis for accurate crop health monitoring and pest control.
Weighing between 50-60 kg, it can cover up to 3 meters per minute, inspect crops, assess pest damage through image processing, choose the appropriate pesticide, and apply it using a built-in spray system. It holds three 4-litre pesticide tanks, can rotate 360°, and has a battery life of 1.5 hours. The innovation aims to enhance crop yields and reduce the health risks associated with manual pesticide application.
Dr. Hossain’s advocacy for Agriculture 4.0 underscores the importance of integrating technology into farming practices to achieve sustainability and efficiency. By leveraging AI, IoT, and robotics, India can address current agricultural challenges and pave the way for a resilient and productive future in agriculture.
Purifying the Air and Capturing Carbon: Environmental Benefits of Urban Greenery
Haryana’s Natural Farming Pilot Project
The Haryana government has launched a natural farming pilot project on 53 acres of state-owned land in Jatheri village, Pundri, Kaithal district. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly, chemical-free farming practices that enhance soil health and bolster farmer incomes. Tenant farmers currently cultivating the land will be integrated into the program, receiving training and support to adopt sustainable agricultural methods.
Space-Based Agriculture Experiments
Indian astronaut Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla is set to conduct pioneering experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission-4. He will attempt to sprout and grow green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) seeds in microgravity conditions. This research aims to develop sustainable food solutions for astronauts during long-duration missions, marking a significant advancement in space agriculture.
Kudumbashree’s Collaboration with ICAR-CTCRI
Kudumbashree has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) to promote advanced technologies in tuber crop cultivation. This collaboration will deliver 12 modern technologies focused on value addition and food processing using tuber crops like cassava and sweet potatoes. The initiative aims to empower Kudumbashree’s extensive network of women farmer groups in Kerala through sustainable practices and value addition.
Integrating Advanced Technologies in Agriculture
Agriculture 4.0 encompasses the entire agricultural value chain by utilizing AI and IoT to monitor soil health, weather conditions, and crop requirements, enabling precise application of inputs like water and fertilizers. Implementing blockchain technology enhances transparency and traceability in the supply chain, reducing food waste and ensuring fair pricing. Platforms like e-Choupal provide farmers with real-time information on weather and markets, facilitating better decision-making and access to markets.
Dr. Hossain’s insights underscore the importance of integrating technology into farming practices to achieve sustainability and efficiency. By leveraging AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, India can address current agricultural challenges and pave the way for a resilient and productive future in agriculture.
Urban Sustainability Practices: Sewage Recycling, Lake Rejuvenation, and Waste Exchange Platforms : Mr AJ Rao
AJ Rao
Last but not the least, we had our concluding guest speaker Mr. Avasarala Jagannadha Rao, who is the Director at Ecomen Mining Pvt Ltd having a total of 40 years of extensive work experience and he came forward with the aim of Urban Sustainability Practices: Sewage Recycling and Reuse for industries, Urban Lake Rejuvenation, Online Waste Exchange Platforms.
Mr Rao emphasised on conducting carrying capacity studies is indeed crucial for the sustainable development of urban areas. He very rightly pointed out that each city possesses unique geographical features and resource limitations, necessitating tailored planning approaches.
The example of Jamshedpur, where Tata Steel commissioned a carrying capacity study through the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), serves as a pioneering model. This study provided valuable insights into future urban planning, including industrial cluster development, green space allocation, and water body management .
Integrating such studies into current initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT can significantly enhance their effectiveness. These programs aim to foster sustainable urbanization, and incorporating carrying capacity assessments can ensure that development aligns with environmental and infrastructural limits .
Integrating Predictive Modeling and GIS for Sustainable Urban Planning
Employing predictive modeling and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies is instrumental in understanding the long-term impacts of urban growth. For instance, the ‘Sustainable Accommodation through Feedback Evaluation’ (SAFE) model, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, has been utilized to assess infrastructure carrying capacity in cities like Gwalior.
This model evaluates land requirements for various urban uses and employs GIS techniques to assess the carrying capacity of urban systems, providing a framework for sustainable accommodation through feedback evaluation.
In addition to the SAFE model, predictive modeling using GIS has been applied to forecast land cover changes in Indian smart cities. A study focusing on four round-1 smart cities—Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, and Surat—analyzed land use and built-up dynamics over a 20-year period (2001–2021) and projected changes up to 2031. The study utilized Cellular Automata (CA) models integrated with GIS to predict urban expansion, considering factors such as slope, population density, proximity to central business districts, major roads, and drainage.
Addressing the fragmentation in urban planning efforts is also essential. Often, different departments operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies. A holistic approach that brings together various stakeholders can facilitate more coherent and effective urban development strategies. Integrating predictive modeling and GIS technologies into urban planning can aid in creating sustainable, efficient, and resilient urban environments.
In conclusion, initiating pilot studies on carrying capacity in select cities can serve as a valuable step towards sustainable urban planning. Such efforts can inform policy decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for urban residents.
This was a wholesome conversation with Mr AJ Rao and with all the amazing guest speakers who took out time from their busy schedules and graced our very own BlueCities Sustainability Meetup and made it a huge success.
The conversations, delightful and engaging knowledge exchange, so many new and innovative sustainability ideas in relation to every aspect of the environment brought in so much new and limitless vision and sight to everyone and helped the Earth5R organisation in going ahead and making their dream turn into actual reality.
The Sustainability Meetup was an actual amalgamation of the countries finest and most authentic talents and a great way to honour such talent globally and give them the credit and due recognition for the outstanding work that they are bringing to the country and its people.
Closing Reflections and Way Forward
The inaugural BlueCities Sustainability Meetup marked the beginning of a bold, action-driven movement to reimagine India’s river-based cities through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise. From environmental architects and urban scientists to CSR leaders, government advisors, and community practitioners, the diversity of voices at the table highlighted the need for an integrated approach to sustainability.
This meetup reaffirmed that restoring rivers cannot be treated as an isolated issue. It is deeply tied to solid waste management, urban planning, water governance, livelihoods, and behavioral change. Speakers showcased a range of scalable models, from reverse vending machines for plastic collection and agriculture-tech for circular resource use, to geospatial mapping of urban lung spaces and policy pathways for carrying capacity assessments.
What emerged clearly is that BlueCities is not just a knowledge-sharing platform, it is an implementation-oriented ecosystem. Its strength lies in its ability to bring together doers and thinkers across sectors and geographies, with a shared focus on building real projects, documenting replicable solutions, and influencing policy and academic discourse.
Looking ahead, the BlueCities Network will continue to host weekly online meetups every Friday at 9:00 PM IST, featuring fresh perspectives, case studies, and collaboration opportunities. Participants are encouraged to actively contribute by presenting their work, proposing pilot projects, or nominating new experts to join the growing community.
Those who wish to join or nominate other sustainability professionals can use the application link:
https://forms.gle/ymVcsRF7mYaNEb966
