Transforming Pune’s Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar into a Zero Waste Community

Introduction:

The Zero Waste Project in Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar, supported by Cummins India Foundation and implemented by Janwani, is a shining example of how community-led waste management can drive lasting urban transformation. This initiative aimed to make Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar—one of Pune’s dense slum areas—zero waste slum, ensuring 100% household waste segregation, door-to-door collection, and the elimination of garbage vulnerable points (GVPs).

With over 5,800 households and a population of nearly 15,000 residents, the project was launched with the goal of improving waste coverage and segregation rates, while building cleaner and healthier community environments.

Step-by-Step Methodology

1. Baseline Survey

A detailed baseline survey (2024–25) was conducted to map the existing waste management practices. The survey captured data on total and active households, segregation levels, waste collection coverage, and chronic garbage spots.

• Total households: 5,831

• Active households: 4,775

• Coverage: 56.85%

• Segregation: 28%

• Chronic spots: 14 identified

  
  

2. Waste Picker Network Strengthening

A team of 38 Swachh waste pickers managed waste collection in defined routes. However, initial non-compliance and irregular routes led to gaps in coverage—highlighting the need for better monitoring and training.

3. Awareness and Community Engagement

Behavioral change formed the heart of the project. Janwani organized 33 awareness sessions on segregation and zero-waste practices, school events, and red-dot awareness drives on sanitary waste disposal.

Stakeholders—including waste pickers and feeder point operators—were trained in segregation and waste handling, ensuring accountability across the value chain.

Key Challenges

Like most urban slum projects, the Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar initiative faced several hurdles:

• Inconsistent waste picker attendance and route compliance

• Space constraints for waste segregation infrastructure

• Limited household participation in early stages

• Unauthorized waste collection systems operating parallel to formal ones

  
  

Solutions Implemented

• Structured route mapping and daily monitoring

• Awareness through schools and community champions

• Capacity building for waste pickers and local stakeholders

• Introduction of color-coded segregation systems

• Red-dot campaign for identifying and managing sanitary waste

Remarkable Achievements: Before & After Impact

Parameter	2024–25 (Before)	2025–26 (After)
Total Households	5,831	5,894
Coverage (%)	56.85%	88.45%
Segregation (%)	28%	86.22%
Chronic Spots	14	6 eliminated; 80–85% waste reduction

These results reflect a 31.6% increase in household waste coverage and a 58.22-point jump in segregation levels. Six chronic garbage spots were permanently removed, transforming the community’s landscape.

Driving Behavior Change Through Community Mobilization

Through 33 awareness programs, 18 local events, and 3 red-dot sessions, Janwani successfully built ownership among residents. Women and youth played pivotal roles as community influencers, ensuring the sustainability of the Zero Waste movement.

Conclusion: A Replicable Model for Urban India

The Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar Zero Waste Project is proof that slum communities can transition toward sustainability when awareness, monitoring, and partnerships work hand in hand.Despite geographical and systemic challenges, Janwani’s structured approach and Cummins India Foundation’s support have made Kelewadi–Hanuman Nagar a model for Zero Waste urban transformation.

As cities across India seek scalable waste management solutions, this initiative stands as a replicable model for achieving Zero Waste through community-driven action.