Santacruz group aims to bridge social divide

The Triratna Prerana Mandal (TPM), at Santacruz (W), began segregating waste in 2002, by launching a zero-garbage drive based on segregation of dry and wet garbage at source.

The Triratna Prerana Mandal (TPM), at Santacruz (W), began segregating waste in 2002, by launching a zero-garbage drive based on segregation of dry and wet garbage at source.

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They have set up segregation centres that employ ragpickers. “We collect waste from more than 39 buildings and take it to the segregation centre. We use wet waste for the vermicompost plant, and the dry waste is sold,” said Priya Jadhav, TPM member.

They have partnered with the BMC to erase the social divide between “slum people” and “building people”. TPM, formed in 1986, has been involved in the slum sanitation programme and provides education to children from local slums.

In 2007, TPM got the Deutsche Bank Urban Age Award for its efforts. “The dumping grounds of the city are already reaching their capacity, and we need to help by sending less waste to the dumping grounds,” said Dayanand Mohite, also of TPM.

Fertiliser generated from the vermicompost plant is used in local gardens, or given to nearby buildings so that they can use it.