“People Are Aware But Still Litter And Tolerate Littering”

Can you tell us about your NGO's Cleanathon drive and the long-term impact you plan to have?

The Cleanathon drive is about creating awareness regarding the environmental impact of festivals, especially after major events like Ganesh Visarjan. We aim to promote a sense of responsibility towards nature and sustainability. Through beach cleanups and collaboration with various groups, we seek to make a positive, long-term impact on the environment.

What has been the impact of the Cleanathon drive so far?

The impact has been collective and encouraging. Immersions in artificial ponds increased by 37 per cent this year, reducing pollution in natural water bodies. People are also increasingly using eco-friendly materials and avoiding oversized idols. We've seen a positive shift in awareness and actions, but there is still work to be done.

How do you promote environmentally friendly practices during the Ganesha festival? 

We encourage the use of eco-friendly Ganesha idols made of shadu mati and chemical-free rangolis. Flower offerings can be repurposed into scented incense, reducing waste. Additionally, we advocate for using eco-friendly materials for Prashad, and surplus food can be distributed to those in need. These small steps make a significant difference.

What can people do at an individual level to make sure their festivities are eco-friendly?

At an individual level, people can take several steps to ensure eco-friendly festivities. Firstly, they should choose Ganesha idols made of eco-friendly materials and opt for chemical-free decorations such as rangolis. Instead of immersing flowers in water bodies, consider repurposing them to make scented incense. Additionally, using eco-friendly containers for offerings given to God and distributing surplus food to those in need can minimise waste. Individuals need to realise that their small actions collectively contribute to a greener and more sustainable environment.

What have been some of the challenges you have encountered while undertaking such projects geared towards environmental sustainability?

One challenge is changing the mindset of people who are aware but still litter and tolerate littering. We need to harmonise religious practices with environmental responsibility. The government is making efforts, but it's a long-term change that needs to start with the next generation. Opportunities lie in creating awareness and partnerships to drive environmental change.

In addition to environmental sustainability, what are some projects the NGO works towards? 

Our maiden project was a wellness project for the safai kamgars of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM). We regularly organize health camps and help out individuals with donations for medical aid and education. We also work for causes such as the upliftment of children from EWS and women's empowerment. For instance, the initiative ASMITA was geared towards helping women police personnel achieve work-life balance. Saksham, was our effort to reinstate the lost confidence of acid attack survivors. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we managed to help out over one lakh families, and during the Kolhapur and Sangli floods, we sent out relief to several displaced families.