The Urban Ocean program, run jointly by Ocean Conservancy, Resilient Cities Network and The Circulate Initiative, is actively combating plastic pollution using a blend of upstream and downstream strategies. They collaborate with stakeholders from diverse sectors including construction, technology, education, environmental management, and the informal waste sector. Launched in 2020, the program partners with 12 cities across Asia and Latin America, aiming to pioneer effective solutions to the global challenge of plastic pollution.

During the Urban Ocean Conclave, held from June 18 to 20, delegates from countries as far as Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Thailand and Indonesia participated, apart from domestic representation from Karnataka, Mumbai, Pune and Surat.

On June 18, The event was graced by Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Environment Climate Change & Forests). She explained the various efforts taken by the government of Tamilnadu to protect the environment: Green cover mission, Coastal mission, Climate change mission, Wetlands mission etc.

On June 19, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner, Dr.J.Radhakrishnan, IAS, appreciated the efforts of the Urban Ocean programme and stated that such summits were essential to brainstorm and come up with ideas to combat plastic pollution. “Despite the concept of reduce and reuse, there has been an increase in the per capita garbage generated in the city from 500 gms in the year 2000 to 750 gms per household now. It is time to look for holistic integrated waste management systems to combat these issues and I am sure that we can come up with such ideas in such summits,” he stated.

On both days, experts shared their experiences and the possible way forward. Representatives also showcased their best practices that have yielded results and the challenges that need addressing. The key highlight was, however, the pilot visit to the neighbourhood of Kasturba Nagar, held on June 20.

Residents of Kasturba Nagar Association (ROKA) has collaborated effectively with Okapi Research and Advisory (IIT Madras incubated) to spearhead comprehensive waste management initiatives, through the We Segregate Project. Together, they have implemented innovative strategies to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility within the community. Their partnership not only addresses waste management challenges but also educates residents on the importance of recycling and reducing their carbon footprint. By fostering community engagement and leveraging expertise from these organisations, ROKA continues to make significant strides in creating a cleaner and greener environment for all residents of Kasturba Nagar.

The day began at the KNRA hall with the nearly 40 delegates welcomed with flowers and kamarkattu. After a short introductory video highlighting the local area, providing context for our visit, the visitors explored the locality to understand its sustainable waste management practices. The visit aimed to foster knowledge exchange and inspire similar initiatives in different urban settings facing similar challenges.

The delegation got to see the different types of lane composters installed in the locality. Visitors were impressed by the meticulous maintenance of the composters and the collaborative efforts of the community. Their enthusiasm stemmed from observing how these methods effectively managed organic waste, fostering admiration for the cooperative spirit and dedication to sustainable practices within the vicinity. They also visited several apartments in the neighbourhood to experience a terrace kitchen garden and understand effective techniques to implement source segregation. 

The ‘Punch the Plastic’ (PTP) initiative was implemented as the plastic component of the We Segregate Project. The concept involves installing sharp curved hooks on apartment walls specifically designed to collect low-grade single-use plastic waste. “It is a challenge for each household to collect sufficient quantities of such plastics and give it to an aggregator. With the PTP initiative, we can collect in bulk and give it directly to the aggregators,” highlighted P.Saranya, Treasurer of ROKA. 

As the event concluded, the participants were served regional delicacies in steel cutlery and asked to wash their hands rather than using tissue paper, making it a zero-waste event. To ensure a lasting impact, everyone also participated in a fun sustainability quiz, so one might ponder on the choices we make every day towards saving our environment.

During the feedback session that followed the visit, representatives from other cities expressed genuine admiration for the management practices observed. One of them stated, “Having visited last October, I’ve seen significant improvements since then. I’m quite envious but eager to implement these techniques in my own country.” The event served as a platform for mutual learning and inspiration, fostering a sense of solidarity in tackling waste management issues through practical and innovative solutions. ROKA can be contacted at roka.drives@gmail.com.

Earlier, Prithviraj won the Gold in the Asian Games in the Men’s Trap-50 (Team) event in September 2023 at Hangzhou, China. His team included Kynan Chenai and Zoravar Singh. 

As a part of Team India, he has several accolades to his credit: Silver medal in Asian 2007 (Juniors);  Gold Medal in Asian 2012 (Senior); Bronze in Asian 2013; Silver in Asian 2016 and 2019; Gold and Silver in World Cup in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

Prithviraj is the son of Rajagopala Tondaiman, Maharaja of Pudukkottai. The Maharajah successfully runs a Shooting Club at Pudukkottai, where competitive events in Trap and Skeet are held. He was himself a renowned shooter who has represented India at competitions.

Prasar Bharati has announced that Doordarshan will telecast the Paris Olympic Games 2024 on the DD’s free dish platform. The Olympic Games will be held from 26th July – 11th August 2024, followed by the Paris Paralympic Games from 28th August – 8th September 2024.

Adyar Times wishes Prithviraj Tondaiman the best at the Olympics!

Aasan V. Nandhakumar was the chief guest; social activists Saidhai G.P.Kumaran, Kotturpuram S.Murugesan and other members welcomed the guests. PB Subramanian regional head of the Dr Ambedkar Mandram (Kottur), Ward 170 MLA Kadhir Murugan, Ward 173 MLA Subashini Durai, Custom Officer Kalaikumar, Lawyer Dr M.Ganesan, All India Sports Development General Secretary Jayakumar, and other officials distributed certificates and encouraged the players.

Her husband took her to Pune. She later applied to join the Army Medical Corps and donned the Olive green uniform with great pride, at being able to serve society in both capacities. Dr.Premanjali has rightly described the book as the journey from Besant Nagar to Baramulla. 

The book goes on to talk about her school and college life. Her army adventures are a good read. Now residing at Neelankarai, Dr. Premanjali is happy that her book will motivate the readers.

The book is priced at Rs 149 (e-book at Rs.49) and published by Clever Fox Publishing. The book is available at Flipkart, Amazon, Goodreads and Higginbotham.

The launch event was at Athulya Assisted Living, Neelankarai, on June 11. The chief guest was Dr. Premanjali’s mother, T.S. Sarojini Devi, who received the first copy from renowned author Padma Shri Indira Parthasarathy. 

Sarojini Devi was the first lady headmistress of a government higher secondary school in Tamil Nadu and an honorary Presidency Magistrate of the juvenile court. Other notable guests include Venkatesh – an artist from ITC, and Priya – a renowned film director, known for ‘Pon Ondru Kanden’, Advocate Rajesh Murugan, who wrote the book’s preface, and Colonel Shishupal Singh, a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army.

Adding to the event’s significance, 21 top doctors from the 1972 batch of Madras Medical College, Dr. Premanjali’s alma mater, were also present, underscoring the timeless nature of college friendships. Dr. Premanjali concluded the event with her heartfelt vote of thanks. She deeply appreciated everyone who has been part of her life’s journey, everyone who listened without judgement, helped without conditions, understood with empathy, and loved no matter what. Special recognition was also given to the dedicated staff of Athulya Assisted Living, Neelankarai, including Manager Dharmendra, who was the Master of Ceremonies.

From White Coat to Olive Uniform: A Story of Courage and Pride – is the synopsis of the book. The book is a compilation of recollections, musings, and defining events that have shaped her journey. Dr. (Major) P. Premanjali reflects on a life rich with diverse experiences.

Now residing in an old age home, with her mother, Dr. Premanjali finds joy in the twilight years of her life, emphasising that “ageing is a beautiful process that needs to be enjoyed in a stress-free and joyful manner.” The memoir vividly portrays the dual challenges and rewards of serving as a lady medical officer in the Indian Army.

The event was indeed a gathering of the erudite. Special mention must be made of the army officer Colonel Shishupal Singh, who reminisced about critical and challenging events during their tenure which was a sample of Dr. Premanjali’s courage and valour.

Dr.Premanjali can be contacted at 72999 66014; Email: premanjali1956@gmail.com.

• An online session on the topic ‘Gender Responsive Drought Resilience’, by guest speaker Dr.Anushya Jagannathan, a research scientist, who elucidated sustainable practices.
• A flower garden was set up inside WIA’s premises at R.A.Puram, by the President and members. 
• Yellow cloth bags were distributed to the public at T.Nagar with the insistence to replace plastic bags.
• An online essay competition was conducted and cash awards were given to Keerthana, Mishra, Esther Monica and Shanmuga Priya.
• 500 people participated in a signature campaign and pledged to not use any kind of plastic. The signatures will be handed over to the Minister for Environment, Tamil Nadu with a request to stop the plastic production.
• A 2 km walkathon was organised highlighting the theme ‘Our Land Our Future’.
• A human chain was formed, at Adyar, to create awareness of plastics and zero landfills.
• A seminar was conducted with the theme ‘The need to protect our land’.
• A seminar was conducted at MGR Home and Hr.Sec School, for 60  teachers and B.Ed teacher trainees. Dr.Sudhakar – Director of CPR Environmental Education Centre explained about the state of our environment and key issues like environmental degradation, depletion of resources etc. 
• A waste collection drive was arranged along with ROKA (Residents of Kasturba Nagar Association) to collect e-waste, plastic, paper and clothes. Approximately 360 kg of waste was collected.

On the concluding day (June 8), nearly 104 women participated in the event, where four women who were committed to keeping the land clean and green, were honoured. Dr.Muthukumar – Programme Officer (Department of Environment and Climate Change), was the chief guest. He insisted all to grow plants to improve biodiversity and reduce temperatures.

President Padma Venkataraman honoured the green warriors of Chennai and also insisted that everyone focus on the micro change that everyone can bring in to save the Earth – from saying no to plastics and aiming for zero landfills. WIA can be contacted at 91769 28485, 94442 51013.

Team J Silambam Academy’s chief coach, G.Jagadeesh, thanked the parents for their support. He can be contacted at 99434 88114.

At the same event, Students from Five Elements Silambam Arts Academy (FESAA) won 6 golds, 8 silver and 4 bronze medals at Silambam International Championship held in Goa on May 25 and 26. The event was organised by the United Silambam Sports Federation and the School Games Activity Development Foundation. The winner are Dharani, Thomas, Yogeshwaran, Shagithiyan, Mugilan, and Devedharshini. The students have been coached by Britto Yuvaraj – Director of the academy. He can be contacted at 9003164010.

Conducted as part of the ‘We Segregate’ project funded by TCI (The Circulate Initiative) through an IIT incubated research company called Okapi Research and Advisory Pvt Ltd, the activities started with a bang – a cricket match on Mar.10. Residents – young and old, men, women and children, huddled on the Sunday morning to hit the ball beyond the boundary. Pre-event activities, which included a waste audit bingo and a crossword puzzle, helped propagate the theme of SWM. For the cricket match, the participants were divided into 3 teams – in line with the 3 colours of segregation. “This activity provided a great opportunity to discuss waste segregation,” explained Janani Venkitesh, Secretary of ROKA. M.D.Pradeep, inspector of Police (Crime Branch – Pazhavanthangal Police Station) iterated on the importance of sports in everyone’s life as much as the need to conserve the environment.

In the next, a residents’ meet was organised where nearly 50 residents brainstormed ideas to sustain the project. The session also included presentations, fun games, an online quiz, experience sharing, etc. “It was music to the ears when a resident Ms.Srimathi said home composting was therapeutic. Other residents like Ms.Raji came up with fabulous ideas to sustain segregation at the apartment level. It was a heartening experience for all of us,” said P.Saranya, Treasurer of ROKA.

The winners from the competitions were presented with gift vouchers from a sustainability store, Pracheen Vidhaan. The winning cricket team was felicitated with medals made from coconut shells. “This was yet another step to demonstrate sustainability, thanks to Arjun from Crazy Coconut who came up with this idea and made it possible,” said Saranya. At both events, healthy snacks (Buttermilk and traditional rice laddoo; Sundal and coconut water) were provided in reusable cutlery.

ROKA, with support from OKAPI, has installed three lane composters in Kasturba Nagar, as part of the ‘We Segregate’ project. The composters, launched in October 2023, were built with a capacity to compost 750 kgs of wet waste each. In February and March 2024, the community reaped the benefit of the composters as they harvested the compost, which was distributed to the residents of Kasturba Nagar. In addition, soft plastics are collected as part of the project in the Punch the Plastic Hooks (PTP hooks), a design by the students of the IIT-M.

ROKA can be contacted at 97911 03797; Crazy Coconut can be contacted at 88385 44494; Pracheen Vidhan www.praacheenvidhaan.com.

Residents of Kasturba Nagar Association (ROKA) conducted their 8th edition of the waste collection drive on Jan.6 and 7 at the Kasturba Nagar Residents Association Hall and Chennai High School, Kamaraj Avenue, Adyar.

Like the earlier edition, this edition too showcased new ideas for sustainability at the venues. “Apart from collecting waste, ROKA feels that we also must showcase alternatives so people are aware of them and contribute to reducing plastics,” said Janani Venkitesh, Secretary of ROKA, as she introduced the refill truck concept, thrift store and ‘Nilayaan’ a sustainability solutions provider for kitchenware and composting.

ROKA partnered with Wasted 360 Solutions, Recycle Mart and Bisleri for the drive and collected clothes (including undergarments), e-waste, pens, empty tablet strips, X-rays, footwear, mattresses & pillows, toys and books, bags, glassware, hard and soft plastics and pictures of deities. Wasted 360’s refill truck was a unique concept that offered handwash, detergent, floor cleaner and dishwashing soaps to interested people, with a catch that they bring their own bottles. “The basic concept is to reduce plastics. These liquid soaps always come in plastic containers, thus with the refill truck, we are giving an option to people to bring their own container and refill the soaps,” explained Janani.

The thrift store displayed many fabulous dresses apart from books and toys. While the book genres ranged from fiction to children to management, toys included Mindbender games, puzzles and collectables like the Quidditch ball from the Harry Potter series.

Nilayaan too gave an overview of the available sustainable kitchenware – cutlery, bowls, glasses, toothbrushes and flasks. “Coconut shells are not biodegradable. Due to their enhanced shelf-life, they can make amazing bowls and glasses,” explained Deepesh as he also showed a variety of composters – for apartments and homes, apart from another specifically for pooja flowers.

The two-day drive was packed with not only individuals bringing in their waste but also institutions that gave away products – a catering company gave away more than a hundred porcelain plates and saucers, a boutique gave away clothes and a hotel gave away cartons of glass bottles. Other items that came in were: iron tables, CRT TVs, washing machine drums, bestseller books including the Asterix and Oblix series and Tintin series etc. 

Some of the residence communities, like CeeDeeYes Velachery, Karpagam Gardens and Nawab Gardens collected waste in their locality and sent it through logistics providers. The event saw a footfall of more than 400 people and collected around 10 tonnes of waste. 

At the event, representatives from Bisleri also recognised ROKA members for their efforts in the ‘Punch the Plastic’ initiative. ROKA has partnered with Okapi Research and Advisory (an IIT Madras incubated company) and Bisleri to collect single-use plastic and multi-layer plastic (MLP), from residents of Kasturba Nagar, for recycling. The initiative was started on Oct 11 and till December mid, the neighbourhood collected 21 kgs of plastic. 

ROKA thanked all the participants, the Corporation and the volunteers from Loyola College’s MSW department, for their support.

Participating a the event, Dr J Radhakrishnan, IAS, Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), stated that such drives are the need of the hour, “However it is a collective responsibility of all residents to ensure that garbage and plastic waste is not dumped on roadside or water bodies as it ends up at city’s beaches,” he said. 

He added that beaches are habitats of olive ridley turtles; fishermen lose their livelihood as plastic gets stuck in fishing nets, “Let’s all work together and make the city a clean place.”

Also in attendance were Urbaser Sumeet’s CEO, Mahmood Sait, Projects Heads (II & V), Zonal officials and heads of departments. Volunteers from Vivekananda College, Ramakrishna Mission College of Arts and Science, and AM Jain College of Arts and Science, along with the Rotaract Clubs, actively participated in the cleanup. 

The collected waste, particularly plastic bottles and bags, was dispatched to recycling units, according to a statement from Urbaser Sumeet. For more information, contact V.R Hari Balaji (Urbaser Sumeet) at 89255 22001.