Sat Dec 14 11:41:40 UTC 2024: **Chennai NGO ROKA Achieves Significant Success in Waste Management Initiatives**
**Chennai, December 14, 2024** – The Resident of Kasturba Nagar Association (ROKA), a Chennai-based NGO, has reported significant progress in its waste management efforts throughout 2024. Their initiatives, focusing on community composting and plastic recycling, have yielded impressive results and inspired replication efforts in other parts of the city.
ROKA’s flagship “We Segregate” project, supported by several organizations, successfully implemented three lane composters in Kasturba Nagar, processing 5250 kg of organic waste and distributing 1750 kg of compost to residents. Furthermore, the project diverted 365 kg of low-value plastics for recycling. The success of the model attracted international attention, with foreign delegates visiting Kasturba Nagar as part of the Urban Ocean Summit in June. The GCC and Urbaser Sumeet are now emulating ROKA’s model in ward 168.
Beyond composting, ROKA conducted two large-scale collection drives in January and July, collecting nearly 18 metric tons of recyclable waste. A new waste deposit location was also established in Anna Nagar in November.
ROKA also expanded its educational outreach, conducting numerous awareness sessions in schools, colleges, and corporate houses, promoting waste segregation and responsible disposal practices. In collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), they installed a food waste processing unit at The Chennai High School, transforming food scraps into biogas for the mid-day meal program.
The organization’s year-end report highlighted the impact of their initiatives, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-based solutions in addressing local environmental challenges. A Deutsche Welle documentary showcased ROKA’s achievements, underscoring the positive influence of grassroots environmental action.
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