November 23rd 2025.
In Navi Mumbai, a group of more than 170 volunteers recently came together to tackle the ongoing issue of waste in our coastal areas. During Week 275 of the Environment Life Foundation's Mangroves Cleanup Drive, these dedicated individuals were able to remove nearly 2 tonnes of mixed waste, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness and responsible waste management practices.
The cleanup effort received a boost from the active participation of students from Grades 6 to 8 of Jaipuriar School in Sanpada, who were accompanied by their teachers and parents. Their enthusiasm and interest in the cause were greatly appreciated, with Senior Volunteer Vivek Kakde expressing his gratitude to Principal Neelu Shastri for promoting early engagement and awareness among the younger generation.
In addition to the students, volunteers from various colleges and business schools such as SIES College, Western College, KBP College Vashi, and Vivekanand Business School Chembur also joined in on the cleanup. Senior Volunteer Rahul Raskar took the opportunity to educate participants on the vital ecological role of mangroves, while local residents and Mangrove Soldiers also contributed to the large-scale cleanup.
Dharmesh Barai, the founder of the Environment Life Foundation, pointed out the alarming trend of waste being dumped in hills, rivers, lakes, forests, and coastal zones, emphasizing that it is a man-made disaster. He stated, "The earth and other species are self-sustaining, but it is humans who now need saving. We must change our habits." Barai also stressed the need for awareness campaigns, stricter penalties for littering, and stronger waste management policies, especially during the upcoming local elections. "Every piece of litter matters, and we need action at a civic level and disciplined behavior from individuals," he added.
The Environment Life Foundation also expressed their gratitude to the Mangrove Foundation for their support and to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) for promptly transporting the collected waste to the Turbhe dumping yard.
In other environmental news, Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently announced plans for Gorai and Dahisar Mangrove Parks, which will not only boost eco-tourism but also create employment opportunities in North Mumbai. This is a positive step towards preserving and protecting our precious mangrove ecosystems.
The Environment Life Foundation has been tirelessly working towards cleanups in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for more than five years now. With the participation of over one lakh citizens, they have successfully removed over 1,000 tonnes of waste. Barai emphasized that this drive serves as a reminder of how individual actions, when combined, can make a significant impact in creating a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment for all.
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