Our Work — Waste Matters Foundation
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Our Work

Two flagship programmes driving systemic change on Elephanta Island, from grassroots mobilization to infrastructure, education, and ecological restoration.

01
Programme Stakeholder Led Beach Clean Up Campaign
Launched 2018
Location Elephanta Island, Maharashtra

A heritage destination deserves heritage-grade stewardship, clean shores, accountable operators, and zero waste to landfill.

— I Love Elephanta

I Love
Elephanta

Stakeholder Led Beach Clean Up Campaign

Elephanta Island is one of the world's most visited heritage destinations. Unchecked waste from tourism was creating a negative image of the island and of India in the eyes of international visitors.

In response, Waste Matters Foundation launched the I Love Elephanta campaign: a stakeholder mobilization drive to unite local businesses, ferry operators, tour agents, and guides around a shared responsibility for the island's cleanliness, with a zero landfill commitment on all collected waste.

Stakeholders Engaged
Local Business Operators Ferry Service Operators Travel Agents Tour Guides
Key Activities
  • Weekly 2 hour beach clean up drives conducted every week
  • Plastic awareness sessions for local residents and ferry operators
  • Waste segregation at source training for business operators
  • Zero landfill commitment, all collected waste channeled to authorised recycling
2018 Year Launched
40+ Clean Up Drives
30,000+ kg Waste Removed
Weekly Beach Clean Up Drives
Zero Landfill, All Waste Recycled

Project GEM

Gharapuri Elephanta Manthan Island Wide Revival

Launched in 2024 in collaboration with Ek Saath: The Earth Foundation, Project GEM is a comprehensive restoration initiative for Elephanta Island covering systemic waste infrastructure, biodiversity surveys, sanitation, and community welfare, all under one integrated programme.

India's first island based Material Recovery Facility (MRF), funded by JNPA CSR, sits at the heart of the programme, ensuring that all waste from local restaurants and shops is diverted from the ocean and processed through authorised recycling channels.

Key Interventions
Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
India's first island based MRF funded by JNPA CSR. Processes 75,000+ kg of waste from local restaurants and shops, all diverted to authorised recycling with a zero landfill commitment.
55
Dustbins installed across the island
Public Toilet Block
Structure completed; waterless model currently in development
2,000+
Island residents reached via IEC activities
100
Women trained in menstrual hygiene workshops
64
Stray dogs sterilized with Upadhyaya Foundation and WSD
Biodiversity Survey and Awareness
Ecological baseline mapping conducted. Biodiversity awareness programmes for ferry operators delivered in partnership with Healing Himalayas Foundation and Sony Pictures.
75,000+ kg Waste Removed
2,000+ People Reached
64 Dogs Sterilized
100 Women Trained
Zero Landfill Commitment
02
Programme Gharapuri Elephanta Manthan
Launched 2024
Lead Partner Ek Saath – The Earth Foundation
Programme Pillars
  • Waste Infrastructure
  • Biodiversity Surveys
  • Sanitation
  • Community Welfare
  • Animal Welfare

India's first island based Material Recovery Facility, diverting waste from the ocean, channelling it into authorised recycling.

— Project GEM
Programme Partners and Collaborators
Ek Saath – The Earth Foundation JNPA (CSR Funder) Upadhyaya Foundation WSD Healing Himalayas Foundation Sony Pictures
Get Involved

Help us protect Elephanta Island

Whether you are a business, an institution, or an individual who cares about heritage and sustainability, there is a role for you in this mission.

Partner With Us