In the heart of Gujarat, Gandhinagar has long stood as a beacon of swachhata and sustainability. With its dedication to the Swachh Bharat Mission and active participation in the Swachh Survekshan, the city has embraced a culture of cleanliness that resonates deeply within its community.

Inspired by the global Zero Waste Week movement and aligned with the vision of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation organized a series of impactful activities from September 2nd to 7th. These initiatives were designed to foster behavioural change among citizens, with a particular focus on embedding the principles of the 3R framework - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - within local communities and schools.

During the week, activities were held at 25 different locations throughout the city, engaging over 600 citizens directly. Additionally, more than 40,000 individuals were reached and sensitized through targeted social media campaigns, amplifying the impact of the initiative.

Set up at various locations, the My Theli stalls became vibrant hubs for sustainability and community spirit. Citizens were encouraged to donate their used clothes, giving new life to items that might otherwise be forgotten. Skilled women from local self-help groups took on the task of transforming these donations into beautiful, reusable carry bags. My Theli Stalls not only provided a creative solution to plastic pollution but also fostered a sense of togetherness, as community members rallied around the shared goal.

The "Swachhata Se Shuruvat" campaign was an innovative initiative launched by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation (GMC) to cultivate a sense of responsibility for waste management among school students. GMC designed a series of engaging and interactive games that turned learning into an enjoyable experience. Through play, students gained practical insights into sustainability, making them champions of cleanliness and responsible waste practices in their communities. To raise awareness about waste management and environmental issues, engaging quiz competitions were organized. These competitions not only tested participants' knowledge but also sparked discussions and encouraged deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the importance of caring for our planet.

The RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) van was launched to promote the 3R concepts among the public. This specially designed collection vehicle visited residents at their doorsteps, facilitating the collection of old clothing, plastic, and electronic waste. Participants were rewarded for their donations, encouraging community involvement in sustainable waste management practices.

Citizens were invited to share their personal initiatives and daily practices for reducing and managing waste through online testimonials. This platform provided a space for individuals to showcase their stories, fostering inspiration and encouraging others to adopt sustainable habits in their own lives.

Gandhinagar is leading the way in zero waste by enhancing urban transformation and meticulous waste management and promoting citizen initiative in moving towards Garbage Free Cities.