Clean Bengaluru Tool: Mobilizing Citizens and Authorities for a Cleaner City
Jhatkaa.org has introduced a citizen tool called Namma Clean Bengaluru, designed to empower citizens in reporting instances of garbage dumping and burning. This innovative tool enables citizens to form squads comprising like-minded individuals who organize events across the city, working towards cleaner spaces.
Addressing the Unsegregated Garbage Challenge
Bangalore has been grappling with the issue of unsegregated garbage, which often accumulates in street corners and is eventually set ablaze. This practice not only contributes to air pollution but also hampers solid waste management. To address this pressing problem, active citizen participation is crucial. Challenges faced by citizens include a lack of awareness regarding waste segregation, irregular garbage pickup schedules by the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike), and insufficient knowledge about how commercial establishments dispose of their waste.
Mobilizing Citizen Participation through the Namma Clean Bengaluru Tool
The Namma Clean Bengaluru tool allows citizens to report instances of garbage in their vicinity. Jhatkaa.org then collaborates with the BBMP to organize awareness programs whenever necessary, facilitating effective communication between citizens and the authorities.
During the run of just 1.5 months, the Clean Bengaluru tool has received a remarkable 120+ reports. This success can be attributed to the active involvement of community groups such as The Indian Ploggers Army, Cognition Bangalore, Zero Waste group, Hasirudala innovations, volunteers, and colleges.
Engaging Community Groups and Amplifying Impact
Jhatkaa.org has conducted two significant engagement initiatives during Earth Week and Environment Day, resulting in over 100 reports, the formation of 5+ squads, 6+ events, and establishment of a direct BBMP connection with citizens.
Awareness drives have been organized throughout the city, including a session at Kaikondrahalli Lake led by volunteer Harshitha, as well as events hosted by colleges and community groups at Shalini grounds.
Pledging for Change: Citizens Embrace the Clean Bengaluru Tool
One of the major focuses of clean-up efforts has been plastic waste, and Jhatkaa.org has taken the opportunity to raise awareness about this issue on World Environment Day. On June 4th, 2023, three volunteers, along with Jhatkaa.org, organized an awareness session at Church Street, educating citizens about plastic waste and encouraging them to report instances of garbage while pledging to reduce, remove, and reuse plastic. During this session, Jhatkaa.org engaged with a total of 100 citizens within 1.5 hours. Thirty citizens took the pledge, while 35 citizens saved the Clean Bengaluru tool to report garbage.
Expanding the Movement: Connecting Squads and the BBMP for a Greater Impact
Moving forward, the Clean Bengaluru tool aims to expand the number of squads and establish connections with the BBMP to create a more substantial impact across the city. This concerted effort will contribute to the creation of cleaner spaces and reduced pollution levels in Bengaluru.
