2023-08-23
Location: Rangad Bhawan, Ward 6, Rishikesh
Date: 2021-08-13
Young waste champions clean-up a dumping site in Rishikesh
As part of our six-month-long engagement with schools in Rishikesh, a team of young waste champions from Maa Anandmayee Memorial School participated in a clean-up drive in one of our pilot wards. Our team identified a black spot in Ward 6, vulnerable to open dumping by households and passersby. Our dedicated team of students decided to clean the space up and help spread the word!
Our modules with schools are designed to focus on plastic waste, its types, and the ways in which we can manage and reduce it. As part of one of our sessions that covers plastic waste and its categories, our team directly engaged with the students on the field and explained the harmful effects of open dumping through this clean-up activity.
Along with the students, the Nagar Nigam staff including the ward councillor and the waste workers also joined the drive and contributed their efforts to transform the blackspot. Their inclusion gave us an opportunity to make the students aware of the safe environment we could provide our safai mitr in their livelihood by segregating waste at home and avoiding open dumping. A total of 14 students participated in the clean-up and were able to collect around 150-200 kgs of dry waste.
After the clean-up, we also displayed upcycled products made from waste to the students to build their understanding of the 3 Rs i.e. reduce, reuse, and recycle. The participation of young students was significant in increasing awareness towards waste management and creating a sensitive environment for the waste workers. Through this clean-up drive activity, we empowered the future generation with the knowledge and tools to take quick action towards reducing plastic waste in the Ganga.
