Namma Swachha Kannamangala Phase 2

Namma Swachha Kannamangala is a transformative project that has been making significant strides in waste management, community empowerment, and sustainability. The ongoing efforts, particularly through Phase 1, highlight the project's success in creating a decentralized waste management system that is both efficient ,environmentally responsible and sustainable way of waste management.

It’s a continuous daily operations by the SHG team who are processing nearly 40 tonnes of waste per month. The dry waste is resorted and nearly 60% is extracted as resource and sold to the local vendors. The wet waste is composted and sold to local farmers and garden enthusiasts.

Phase 2: New Initiatives for Sustainability

With Phase 2, Namma Swachha Kannamangala is focusing on further reducing waste generation, promoting reuse, and encouraging sustainable practices. The key initiatives include:

• Cutlery Bank: Aiming to reduce the use of disposable plastic or paper cutlery by providing a more sustainable alternative. Inspired from Mrs. Tejeswini Ananthkumar’s Adamya Chetana Cutlery bank, we want to replicate the same in Kannamangala
• Preloved Stores: Giving new life to second-hand items, encouraging a circular economy where products are reused rather than discarded.
• Library from Donated Books: Promoting learning and sharing knowledge while encouraging the recycling of books instead of their disposal.
• Upcycled Products: Transforming waste into valuable, usable products, adding both environmental and economic value to the community.
• Repair Stores: Encouraging repair and reuse over disposal, aiming to extend the lifespan of goods and reduce the overall waste sent to landfills.

Namma swachha Kannamangala : Phase 1

Pilot & Partnership: The pilot project began in February 2023 with 300 homes, and an official MOU was signed in last year with Kannamangala Gram Panchayat, Bharathambe Sanjivini Self Help Group, Mahadevpura Task Force, Force GW and Stonesoup Trust. This initiative has been successfully running its daily operations.

• Waste Conversion: Between 72% and 88% of the waste generated within the Gram Panchayat area is being converted into resources.
• Employment Creation: 20+ women, mainly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have been employed as part of this initiative.
• Community Engagement: Early efforts focused on building community engagement through activities like plog runs, sustainable menstruation programs, and school sessions. SHGs were involved in waste segregation and distribution efforts, with training provided by Stonesoup Trust.
• Efficient Processing: Over 80% of segregated waste is successfully processed at a local center, with improvements made to the center's facilities through CSR funding, providing better conditions and increased income for women workers.
• Expansion & Involvement: The scope gradually expanded to include other settlements, commercial establishments, gated apartments, and villas. Marshalls were employed to prevent illegal dumping.
• Regular Reviews: Weekly meetings among Panchayat members, SHGs, PDOs, marshalls, and Stonesoup Trust help address issues and track progress, fostering collaboration and problem-solving.
• Quarterly Collection: Waste such as e-waste, bulky items, clothes, books, toys, and construction debris is periodically collected and sent for recycling or upcycling.