Alok Gogate

Field Research In 106 ULBs

INTENT

To conduct field research across 106 urban local bodies in Nashik, Pune, and Kokan division to understand the factual scenario for implementation of proposed integration of National Urban Livelihood Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. The study concluded with designing business models for integrating waste pickers and SHGs for improving waste management scenarios with cost effective and efficient systems.

CLIENT

Research Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES, Mumbai) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Delhi.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We embarked on a field research journey across these urban local bodies to understand the current landscape for integration of waste pickers and SHGs. Detailed study was conducted to define parameters necessary to create models targeting integration.

OUTCOME

As a result of our study, we successfully identified 12 entrepreneurial business models along with financial and governance structures. These models are designed to empower waste pickers and self-help groups, fostering sustainable waste management activities in these urban local bodies. This approach underscores our commitment to impact-driven entrepreneurship development, promoting sustainability and inclusivity.

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Project 06 - Capacity Building for Wet Waste Management
Alok Gogate

Capacity Building for Wet Waste Management

INTENT

With an aim to conduct capacity building sessions in collaboration with GIZ, India, focusing on options for wet waste management in cities.

CLIENT

Swachh Maharashtra Mission office and GIZ-India.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We successfully organized and conducted these capacity building sessions on wet waste management. The sessions were designed to be interactive and informative, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of wet waste management strategies. The audience included the State Mission Director for SBM, Chief officers for ULBs, and technical experts, and decision makers and influencers working across Swachh Maharashtra Mission Unit.

OUTCOME

The sessions were highly successful, reaching around 60 attendees. These attendees were equipped with valuable information on wet waste management strategies, which they can apply in their respective fields. This knowledge dissemination is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of wet waste going to landfills. Thus, the project not only enhanced the capacity of key stakeholders but also paved the way for more sustainable waste management practices.

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Project 05 - Sustainable Waste Management Practices for ULBs
Alok Gogate

Sustainable Waste Management Practices for Urban Local Bodies

INTENT

The primary objective of this project was to assist in the design of sustainable waste management practices for approximately 47 cities across Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur districts. The aim was to support the implementation of the Swachh Maharashtra Mission by preparing a detailed and audited plan of action for these cities for the next five years.

CLIENT

Swachh Maharashtra Mission Office and BKumar Infra Advisory Services

WHAT DID WE DO?

We are providing support to understand the existing waste management systems and design detailed project reports for improving the waste processing infrastructure of cities in their journey towards sustainable waste management. This involves a detailed understanding of each city’s unique challenges and needs, followed by the preparation of an audited plan of action that aligns with the goals of the Swachh Maharashtra Mission. This plan takes into account various factors such as current waste management practices, potential areas for improvement, and future goals. The program is currently underway and is expected to conclude by the end of November.

OUTCOME

Our expertise in sustainable waste management practices will assist these cities in developing an effective action plan. This plan will guide them towards achieving sustainable waste management services that align with the goals of both the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Swachh Maharashtra Mission.

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Project 04 - Waste Pickers Integration Pic 03
Alok Gogate

Improving 7R ecosystem through integration of waste pickers and SHGs

PROBLEM

The challenge was to improve the 7R ecosystem through the integration of waste pickers and Self Help Groups (SHGs). This involved understanding the waste picker integration and functioning of the SHGs, and initiating demonstrative work in three cities: Lonavala, Rahuri, and Baramati.

CLIENT

In partnership with the Urban Local Bodies of Lonavala Municipal Council, Rahuri Municipal Council, and Baramati Municipal Council.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We identified the right stakeholders and conducted surveys to understand the overall ecosystem of each city with the perspective of informal waste management practices. We also interacted with waste pickers and SHGs in all three cities, conducting capacity building and exposure sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge. During these interactions, we discussed 12 entrepreneurial sustainable waste management business models. We explored the areas of interest of the waste pickers and SHGs, helping them identify potential avenues for their entrepreneurial journey in sustainable waste management.

OUTCOME

As a result of our efforts, up till now we have conducted a capacity building and exposure sessions with more than 1000 waste pickers and SHGs across all three cities. These sessions have not only enhanced their skills and knowledge but also sparked their interest in various entrepreneurial sustainable waste management business models. The potential of this program is to provide a better working environment for waste pickers, align them with social welfare schemes, and provide a sustainable income source. For SHGs, waste management presents a new avenue for business, increasing the number of green jobs available in a particular geography. This program particularly promotes entrepreneurship and improved working conditions for both SHGs and waste pickers. The feedback and areas of interest gathered from the waste pickers and SHGs are being used to tailor the entrepreneurial models to their needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation and adoption.

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Project 03 - Promoting 7R
Alok Gogate

Collaborating with solution providers to promote 7R

Understanding the need for working on ease of business for connecting waste generators with the solution providers, a consensus has been developed with solution providers for particular types of like E waste, Wet waste, Domestic Hazardous waste, Sanitary waste, Paper and Plastic waste, Garden waste to percolate their solutions on field for higher positive impact on the environment. This will directly divert the waste into recycling value chain and thus away from landfill.

Activity

a. The Vega Controls Pvt ltd company was supported for channelizing and deriving value from the E waste created at their office space through an MPCB authorized entity.
b. Dry battery cells in terms of domestic Hazardous waste have been a nuisance and there is lack of awareness on better handling of dry battery cells and also lack of technology for processing of the dry battery cells. KIF has partnered with Sorting Swans Ecosocial Pvt. Ltd (SSEPL) a startup that has been incubated in Venture Capital, NCL, Pune for creating awareness on right way. of handling the dry battery cell waste and collection of the dry battery cell waste.

Stakeholders:

Variety of waste generators have been reached out to partner for developing sustainable campuses and zero waste businesses.

Outcome

a. 190Kgs of E waste has been diverted away from the landfill into formal recycling value chain.
b. More than 150Kgs of dry battery cells waste has been collected and handed over to the technology partner (SSEPL).

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Project 02 - Waste Management Ecosystem Pic 02
Alok Gogate

Waste Management Ecosystem Awareness Sessions

INTENT

The aim was to conduct awareness sessions with a variety of stakeholders to promote waste-conscious communities. The sessions were designed based on the type of audience, ranging from schools to corporates to active citizen groups, with the goal of delivering the expected outcome.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We designed and conducted interactive sessions that included games aimed at building sustainable habits and helping various cohorts of people understand their own waste generation. The sessions or workshops were not only engaging but also educational, providing participants with a deeper understanding of various types of waste and how to manage them effectively. The sessions were tailored to the audience, whether they were school students, corporate employees, or active citizen groups. The goal was to make learning about waste management fun and engaging, thereby encouraging participants to adopt sustainable waste management habits in their daily lives. These habits include practices such as waste segregation at source, recycling, and composting.

CLIENT

  1. WRI, India
  2. Pratibha school and Junior college, Pimpri Chinchwad
  3. Rotary Club of Pune sports city , Pune
  4. Finnastra Pvt. Ltd, Pune
  5. MIT, WPU Pune
  6. Dignity Lifestyle township and Old age home, Nerul
  7. Lifestyle Republic , Nerhe

OUTCOME

Through these awareness programs, we connected with around 655 people, promoting the idea of waste-conscious neighborhoods. This outreach is estimated to have reached around 10000 households, promoting segregation and sustainable waste management practices.

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Alok Gogate

Plastic Awareness Project with RCUES and Unicef

Activity

A project was partnered for as an auditor for documentation and understanding the participative program matrix towards plastic collection drive. A Plastic Awareness Program was driven for 100 schools where awareness sessions were conducted and plastic collection system was established to help the students understand the gravity of the plastic generation and help and facilitate the habit of segregation of waste.

Stakeholders Involved

Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies, Mumbai was the lead proponent along with Unicef India being the promoter and CACR being the implementation partner.

Outcome

In the span of four months, project worked with around 100 schools from urban areas of Thane, Navi Mumbai, MCGM and Panvel. The project created awareness amongst 1,52,987 students having repercussions on estimated 2640 teachers and one lakh families leading to a collection of around 11700 Kgs of plastic in the project period.

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Carbon Trading Initiatives
Alok Gogate

Unlocking Opportunities: Carbon Trading Initiatives and Policies in India

Carbon trading, is a market-based system where companies can buy and sell permits that allow them to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. The idea is to create a financial incentive for companies to reduce their carbon emissions. Companies that emit less carbon can sell their permits to those that emit more, creating a market for carbon emissions.

The government of India has implemented several policies to encourage carbon trading, including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF). Additionally, India has also launched the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which allows Indian entities to earn Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits by reducing emissions and then selling those credits to entities in developed countries that need to meet their emissions reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

India has also implemented a domestic carbon trading scheme, called the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme. Under this scheme, large energy-intensive industries are given targets for energy efficiency improvements. If they exceed those targets, they earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs), which can be sold to other companies that are not meeting their targets. This scheme has been successful in promoting energy efficiency in industries and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

However, there are also concerns regarding the effectiveness of carbon trading in India. One concern is the lack of transparency and standardization in the carbon market, which can make it difficult to ensure the credibility of carbon credits. There are also concerns about the potential for fraud and double-counting of carbon credits. Additionally, some experts argue that carbon trading may not be sufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis and that more direct policy measures, such as regulation and taxation, may be necessary to achieve deep emissions reductions.

Overall, carbon trading is an important tool for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in India. However, it is important to ensure that the system is transparent, credible, and effective in reducing emissions. Additionally, it should be used as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, other policy measures aimed at reducing emissions.

Carbon trading companies in India

There are several carbon trading companies operating in India. Here are some of them:

  • Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX): IEX is a leading power trading platform in India that has also diversified into renewable energy certificates (RECs) trading and carbon credits trading.
  • Climate Connect Technologies: Climate Connect is a carbon advisory firm that helps businesses and governments in India and abroad to achieve their carbon reduction goals by providing carbon management, carbon offsetting, and carbon trading services.
  • CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions: CleanMax Enviro is a renewable energy and sustainability solutions provider in India that offers carbon credits trading as part of its services.
  • Sindicatum Climate Technologies India Private Limited: Sindicatum is a global developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy projects that also provides carbon credits trading services in India.
  • Carbon Clean Solutions Limited: Carbon Clean Solutions is a carbon capture technology company that also offers carbon credits trading services to its clients in India and abroad.

These are just a few examples of carbon trading companies operating in India. There are many other companies that offer similar services.

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E-Waste On The Rise in Maharashtra and Gujrat
Alok Gogate

E-Waste On the Rise: Red Alert for Mid-Western India?

Digital world or a cradle for problems because of e-waste? In recent years, the technological boom has transformed the world into a global village, but this rapid advancement comes at a cost. One of the most pressing issues is the surge in electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste. Mid-Western India including major states like Maharashtra and Gujrat are experiencing a sharp increase in e-waste generation, leading to significant environmental and health concerns.

In this blog, we will delve into the alarming statistics and research surrounding the e-waste crisis in these regions.

The Rise of E-Waste

Electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other consumer electronics, have become an integral part of modern life. The demand for newer, faster, and more advanced gadgets has led to a rapid increase in e-waste generation. According to a recent report by the United Nations, India is the world’s third-largest producer of e-waste, and this trend is significantly affecting the Mid-Western region of the country.

Alarming Statistics

E-Waste Generation

In Mid-Western India, e-waste generation has reached an all-time high, with an estimated 300,000 metric tons produced annually.

The major contributing cities to this crisis include cities in Maharashtra like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Nagpur.

Gujarat is one of the major contributors to e-waste in India. The state generates approximately 70,000 to 80,000 metric tons of e-waste annually. (Source: Ahmedabad Mirror). Of this, only about 20-30% of the total e-waste generated in the state is collected for proper disposal and recycling. (Source: Center for Science and Environment)

Informal E-Waste Sector

A significant proportion of e-waste in this region is managed by the informal sector, comprising small-scale workshops and recycling units. These operations often lack proper facilities and technologies to handle e-waste safely, leading to severe environmental pollution and health hazards for workers. In fact, around 90% of the e-waste generated in Gujrat is handled by the informal recycling sector.

Toxic Content

One cause for worry with electronic waste is that electronic devices contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When improperly disposed of or processed, these toxins seep into soil and water, causing long-term damage to ecosystems and human health.

Health Implications

E-waste poses severe health risks to those directly or indirectly exposed to it. Studies have reported increased instances of respiratory issues, skin diseases, and neurological disorders among workers involved in informal e-waste recycling.

E-Waste Management Infrastructure

While India has made progress in establishing formal e-waste recycling facilities, the existing infrastructure remains inadequate to cope with the escalating e-waste quantities, leading to a considerable portion ending up in landfills or being processed unsafely.

Environmental Impact

The environmental repercussions of improper e-waste disposal are immense.

Soil Contamination

Toxins from e-waste seep into the soil, making it infertile and contaminating crops. This affects food safety and security, exacerbating existing challenges in agriculture-dependent regions of Mid-Western India. Maharashtra being primarily an agrarian state, stands to face the heat of this situation.

Water Pollution

Improperly disposed e-waste can contaminate groundwater and nearby water bodies, endangering aquatic life and rendering water unfit for consumption.

Air Pollution

Burning of electronic and electrical waste releases harmful chemicals and particulate matter into the air, leading to air pollution and contributing to climate change.

Biodiversity Loss

E-waste pollution disrupts local ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and threatening the survival of numerous species.

The Way Forward

Addressing the e-waste crisis in Mid-Western Indian states like Maharashtra and Gujrat requires a multi-pronged approach. Kushaagra Innovations Foundation, being skilled in the business of waste collection and handling, believes that the following steps will help combat the rising adverse effects of this type of waste.

Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about the harmful effects of improper e-waste disposal is crucial to drive behavioral changes among consumers and businesses alike. Equally important is the awareness of solutions available for channelizing the E-waste in the right way.

Strengthening Regulations

The state governments must enforce strict regulations and penalties for improper e-waste disposal, while also promoting responsible recycling practices. Advocacy groups driving the change for various cohorts of waste generators will act as catalyst to percolate the formal systems for recycling of E-Waste

Formal E-Waste Recycling

Ease of access to information – Ease of Business – Ownership to the waste generator by bringing in traceability of waste will increase potential towards formal recycling.

Producer Responsibility

Electronics manufacturers should take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, promoting recycling and sustainable design. Emerging reward-systems like carbon credits

Support Informal Sector Workers

It is never about overpowering the informal sector to formalize the processes but to empower them to build formal business structures and thus sustainable income sources.

Conclusion

The surge in electronic waste poses a red alert for Mid-Western India, demanding immediate action to protect the environment and the health of its inhabitants. While we have discussed the statistics of e-waste in Maharashtra and Gujrat in this blog, other states are no exceptions to the negative impact of this type of waste, since technology has reached almost every nook and cranny of our nation.

Effective e-waste management, combined with responsible consumption and production, will pave the way for a more sustainable and greener future in the region. It is essential for individuals, industries, and policymakers to collaborate in combatting this growing crisis to safeguard India for generations to come. It is easy to take ownership for a sustainable neighborhood if we create a waste conscious community.

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India's Carbon Credits Landscape
Alok Gogate

India’s Carbon Credits Landscape

Carbon credits are a mechanism through which countries and companies can offset their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. The concept of carbon credits was introduced under the Kyoto Protocol, which is an international agreement aimed at combating climate change.

In India, carbon credits have played an important role in promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India has been one of the major beneficiaries of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, which allows developing countries to earn carbon credits by implementing projects that reduce emissions.

Through the CDM, India has implemented a number of projects in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and waste management. These projects have helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also contributing to sustainable development by creating employment opportunities, improving energy security, and reducing local pollution.

India has also launched its own domestic carbon market, known as the India Carbon Market, which aims to promote the development of low-carbon technologies and facilitate the trading of carbon credits.

There are also several voluntary carbon credit schemes in India, such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard, that provide additional opportunities for companies to generate carbon credits and support sustainable development initiatives. These schemes typically require companies to demonstrate their emissions reductions through rigorous monitoring and reporting processes.

Role of in ULBs in carbon credits

Carbon credits are a market-based mechanism used to incentivize the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) oversees the country’s carbon credit program, which is known as the National Clean Development Mechanism Authority (NCDMA).

Under the NCDMA, entities that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions can earn carbon credits, which can then be sold on the carbon market. This provides an economic incentive for companies to reduce their emissions and helps to mitigate climate change.

In terms of urban local bodies, the NCDMA has encouraged their participation in the carbon credit program. Urban local bodies are responsible for managing urban areas and can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing measures such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation, urban local bodies can earn carbon credits and generate revenue for their municipalities.

To participate in the carbon credit program, urban local bodies must first register with the NCDMA and provide evidence of their emission reduction activities. They must also undergo verification by an accredited third-party auditor to ensure that their emissions reductions are genuine and measurable.

In addition to earning carbon credits, participation in the carbon credit program can help urban local bodies improve their sustainability credentials and demonstrate their commitment to climate action. This can be particularly important for municipalities that are seeking to attract investment or tourism.

One way that ULBs can earn revenue for their sustainability efforts is through the sale of carbon credits. Carbon credits are a market-based mechanism that allows organizations to offset their GHG emissions by purchasing credits from projects that reduce or sequester carbon.

While there have been some ULBs in India that have participated in carbon credit programs, the scale of their participation and the carbon credits earned are not widely available.

Some of the notable ULBs that have participated in carbon credit programs in India include the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, which has implemented a waste-to-energy project that generates carbon credits, and the New Delhi Municipal Council, which has implemented energy-efficient street lighting and solar rooftop projects.

However, it’s worth noting that participation in carbon credit programs is often complex and requires significant upfront investment in sustainability projects, as well as ongoing monitoring and verification of GHG emissions reductions. Therefore, while ULBs have the potential to earn revenue through carbon credits, it may not be a feasible option for all ULBs. One way that ULBs can earn revenue for their sustainability efforts is through the sale of carbon credits. Carbon credits are a market-based mechanism that allows organizations to offset their GHG emissions by purchasing credits from projects that reduce or sequester carbon.

Indian companies working for carbon credits

India has several companies working in the field of carbon credits, which are essentially permits that allow companies to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. By earning carbon credits, companies can offset their carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Some of the Indian companies working for carbon credits include:

  • Tata Steel: Tata Steel is one of the largest producers of steel in India and has implemented various measures to reduce its carbon emissions. The company has earned carbon credits by investing in renewable energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Mahindra & Mahindra: Mahindra & Mahindra is a leading Indian automobile manufacturer that has been working to reduce its carbon footprint. The company has earned carbon credits by investing in projects that promote renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable agriculture.
  • Infosys: Infosys is a global IT consulting firm that has implemented various measures to reduce its carbon emissions. The company has earned carbon credits by investing in renewable energy projects, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction initiatives.
  • Suzlon Energy: Suzlon Energy is a leading Indian wind energy company that has earned carbon credits by investing in wind power projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Hindustan Zinc: Hindustan Zinc is a mining company that has earned carbon credits by investing in projects that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy.
  • Reliance Industries – This Indian conglomerate has been working on various sustainability initiatives, including carbon credits and renewable energy.
  • Hero MotoCorp – Hero MotoCorp is a major two-wheeler manufacturer in India that has been working on various sustainability initiatives, including the use of renewable energy and carbon credits.

These are just a few examples of the Indian companies working in the field of carbon credits. Many other companies in India are also investing in projects that reduce emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere to earn carbon credits.

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