Vanashakti

The Mithi River in Mumbai has deteriorated due to encroachments, pollution, and construction. Vanashakti took legal action to protect it, leading to a Supreme Court ruling to halt damaging operations. A panel of experts was formed to address pollution and restoration. However, a comprehensive approach involving sewage treatment, clearing encroachments, and regulating waste discharge is essential. Collaborating with various stakeholders, raising awareness, and implementing sustainable initiatives can revive the river, benefiting communities and fostering environmental responsibility.

The Tansa River Valley in Maharashtra, located near Mumbai and surrounded by the Western Ghats, is a predominantly tribal area facing the impact of uncontrolled urbanization. The rapid urbanization has led to the depletion of natural forests, mountain resources, and fertile topsoil, resulting in biodiversity loss and affecting traditional livelihoods. Illegal tree felling and firewood sales are rampant, and human-induced forest fires further threaten the area.
Vanashakti conducted an assessment of the region and identified a lack of awareness and connection with the forests among the tribal communities as a key contributing factor to the degradation. To address this issue, Vanashakti designed a year-round environmental education program with a geography-specific syllabus for schools in the Tansa Valley. Since 2011, over 15,000 tribal students from grades 5 to 9 have participated in this program.

The ancient Indian tribal pictographic art form known as Warli art is facing a decline in the Tansa River Valley, Maharashtra. This decline is attributed to the younger generation seeking jobs in neighboring towns, leading to a lack of interest in traditional art and cultural aspects. In response to this situation, efforts have been made to devise livelihood options for Warli artists. They have been provided with opportunities to teach their art in schools, various public forums, and cultural festivals. By seeing their art as a source of income, artists have become more engaged and have started revisiting and preserving their traditional art form. Younger family members are also being initiated into the art, ensuring its continuity.

Beach clean-ups play a significant role in global environmental management policies and serve as an essential educational process for all audiences. They bring together individuals and communities, regardless of different interests, to address the issue of marine litter on beaches and its impact on the environment.
The primary goal of beach clean-ups is to improve coastlines globally by removing as much marine litter as possible and identifying the sources of this litter to prevent future pollution. The key to success lies in mobilizing volunteers, and the project organizes at least 2 to 3 beach clean-up drives every month to achieve this.