Bodhi - Kushaagra Innovations Foundation

Exploring Waste Entering the Sea – Gazdhar Bandh, Mumbai

THE PURPOSE

The study aimed to understand marine pollution pathways through urban drainage systems. It focused on identifying sources and prevention opportunities.

CLIENT

Huber Pvt. Ltd.

Stakeholder
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation

OUR APPROACH

Waste characterisation and quantification were conducted across screens and trashbooms over multiple seasons, alongside upstream source mapping.

THE RESULT

The research generated critical evidence on marine pollution pathways by waste-characterization exercises thrice at actual site, covering samples of 396 kg (waste collected from screens) and 140 kg (waste collected from trashbooms), and assessing an estimated 176 MT of waste intercepted annually at the Gazdhar Bandh pumping station.

Green Ecosystem – Partnering with Technology Providers

THE PURPOSE

The initiative aimed to strengthen access to validated sustainable solutions by connecting solution providers with communities and institutions.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
Padcare, Vaayu, Gangotree Energy

OUR APPROACH

Over 20 startups were engaged through knowledge-sharing platforms and visibility initiatives across cities.

THE RESULT

The ecosystem expanded adoption of decentralised, innovation-led waste solutions, accelerating awareness and waste reduction efforts.

Waste Wise – Developing Waste-Conscious Communities

THE PURPOSE

The initiative aimed to build waste-conscious behaviour across diverse community groups. It focused on translating awareness into everyday action.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Urban)

OUR APPROACH

Cohort-specific awareness sessions and collection drives aligned with educational curricula and the 5R principles. Engagement modules were customised for replication.

THE RESULT

Over 7,000 individuals were reached, leading to improved segregation, reduction, and recycling practices. The initiative strengthened community ownership of sustainable waste management.

Training Needs Assessment for Government Cadres

THE PURPOSE

The project aimed to identify skill and knowledge gaps across municipal cadres in tier-two and tier-three cities. It sought to inform targeted capacity-building interventions.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Urban)

OUR APPROACH

Consultations, group discussions, and operational reviews were conducted across ULBs. The assessment analysed challenges faced by staff at different levels.

THE RESULT

The Training Needs Assessment (TNA) identified priority training areas and informed the design of a focused upskilling curriculum. It strengthened the foundation for more effective waste-management service delivery.

Capacity Building of Technical Teams under Swachh Bharat Mission

THE PURPOSE

The initiative aimed to strengthen technical understanding of integrated waste-management and sanitation systems under SBM. It focused on improving DPR quality and execution readiness.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Urban)

OUR APPROACH

Training sessions covered collection planning, processing technologies, EPR, circular economy principles, and sanitation infrastructure. Practical system-design considerations were emphasised.

THE RESULT

Technical teams gained clarity on system design and feasibility, enabling stronger guidance to ULBs. The initiative supported cohesive planning and long-term sanitation improvements across Maharashtra.

Debris Waste Management Planning – HUL Chiplun Site

THE PURPOSE

The project aimed to develop sustainable debris-management strategies at a construction site. It focused on improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental and health risks.

CLIENT

Ackruti Construction Pvt. Ltd.

Stakeholder
– – – –

OUR APPROACH

On-site practices were assessed with emphasis on reuse, repurposing, safe disposal, and dust mitigation. Waste quantities, types, and pollution risks were documented.

THE RESULT

A detailed report provided actionable strategies for debris management and pollution reduction. The initiative contributes to a replicable model for sustainable construction-site waste management.

Mapping the Impact of GHG Emissions from SWM on Land Surface Temperature

THE PURPOSE

The study aimed to understand the relationship between landfill emissions and land surface temperature in Maharashtra. It sought scalable methods for monitoring environmental and climate impacts of waste systems.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
– – – –

OUR APPROACH

Remote sensing and GIS techniques were applied using Landsat and Sentinel-5P data. Thermal hotspots, methane plumes, and Urban Heat Island intensity were analysed through spatial overlays and zonal statistics.

THE RESULT

A moderate positive correlation between methane emissions and elevated temperatures was identified. The study demonstrated Land Surface Temperature (LST) as a proxy for methane detection, advocating remote-sensing-based monitoring for climate mitigation.

Assessing the Effectiveness of RRR Centres in Small ULBs of Maharashtra

THE PURPOSE

The study aimed to assess the functionality, public participation, and challenges of RRR centres in C-class municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. It also explored opportunities for integrating informal waste collectors into formal systems.

CLIENT

– – – –

Stakeholder
5th International Conference on Waste Management, Recycle 2025 at IIT Gauhati

OUR APPROACH

Field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and operational assessments were conducted across selected ULBs. The research documented barriers, community preferences, and informal collector linkages with recycling markets.

THE RESULT

The paper was presented at IIT Guwahati and received the Best Presentation Award. Findings offer practical recommendations to improve RRR centre efficiency, formalise informal collectors, and develop replicable models for small and medium towns.

Tailor-Made Skill Development Workshops for Urban Local Bodies

THE PURPOSE

The project aimed to strengthen municipal waste-management performance by building capacities across all administrative cadres.

CLIENT

PRAMA

Stakeholder
Swachh Maharashtra Mission (Urban)

OUR APPROACH

Customized workshops were designed for decision-makers, technical teams, and field workers, delivered through multi-day and short-format sessions across five rounds. The training emphasized practical operations, problem-solving, and role clarity.

THE RESULT

Around 340 decision-makers, 1,350 technical staff, and nearly 50,000 field workers participated in a unified capacity-building program. This collective learning improved coordination, confidence, and efficiency in routine waste-management operations.

Waste Characterisation and Quantification for Ahmedabad

THE PURPOSE

This study aimed to strengthen Ahmedabad’s waste-management planning through detailed, data-driven insights into waste quantity, composition, and flow. It supported the city’s transition toward a more efficient and resource-resilient system.

CLIENT

C40 Cities

Stakeholder
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)

OUR APPROACH

A stratified sampling strategy analysed over 2,385 samples across 48 wards and nine RTSs during pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Waste flows were mapped from source to disposal to identify inefficiencies and diversion opportunities.

THE RESULT

The study equipped AMC with actionable data to optimise collection systems, improve diversion, and strengthen recycling and processing capacity. Reports submitted in English and Marathi now inform sustainable, climate-responsive planning for the city.