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Case Study: Mula Mutha River Cleanup and Community Engagement by Earth5R


The Mula Mutha River in Pune, a vital water body for the city, has faced significant pollution over the years due to improper waste disposal. To tackle this issue, Earth5R launched a river cleanup initiative that combined waste collection with community engagement. Inspired by tribal traditions, the program involved both cleanup efforts and cultural activities like playing football, fostering a sense of ownership over public spaces. Over time, the initiative grew from a small group of volunteers to a large-scale movement, engaging local citizens, NGOs, and corporates.

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT

The Mula Mutha River had become a dumping ground for various types of waste, including plastics, metals, and electronic waste. The challenge was to clean the riverbanks while instilling a sense of community ownership to ensure long-term sustainability. Without community engagement and continuous cleanup efforts, the waste would keep accumulating, further degrading the river and its surroundings.


EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION

Weekly Cleanup Program

Earth5R volunteers began cleaning the banks of the Mula Mutha River every Sunday, ensuring consistent waste removal. Each week, 30-40 volunteers participated, and each volunteer collected an average of 9 kg of waste during the two-hour sessions.

Community and Cultural Engagement

After each cleanup, volunteers engaged in activities like playing football, inspired by tribal communities that blend cultural practices with environmental stewardship. These activities helped create a strong emotional connection to the space, encouraging participants to take ownership of the environment.

Corporate and NGO Involvement

As the program grew, local NGOs and corporate partners such as Hexaware joined the initiative, adding hundreds of additional volunteers. The program gained visibility in the media and was even highlighted by UNESCO as part of its Green Citizen Program, leading to widespread adoption of the cleanup model by the community.

Sustained Impact

The cleanup initiative ran every Sunday for six years, with local volunteers and organizations continuing the efforts, ensuring that the riverbanks remained clean and well-maintained even after Earth5R reduced its direct involvement.


OUTCOMES

Total Waste Collected

With 30-40 volunteers collecting an average of 9 kg of waste each Sunday for six years, the total waste collected was:

40 volunteers x 9 kg x 52 Sundays/year x 6 years = 112,320 kg (112.32 tonnes) of waste removed from the riverbanks.

Carbon Offset

Recycling waste instead of sending it to landfills offsets approximately 1.34 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of waste. Therefore, the total carbon offset from the waste collected over six years was:

112.32 tonnes x 1.34 tonnes of CO2/tonne = 150.52 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.

Economic Impact (Circular Economy Value)

The value of the waste collected, including high-value recyclables such as metals and electronics, was estimated at ₹5 per kilogram. The total economic value generated through recycling was:

112,320 kg x ₹5/kg = ₹561,600 (₹5.61 lakhs).

Volunteering Hours

Each cleanup session lasted two hours. Over six years, the total volunteering hours contributed were:

40 volunteers x 2 hours x 52 Sundays/year x 6 years = 24,960 volunteer hours.

ESG KPIs

Environmental Impact

Waste removed: 112.32 tonnes.

Carbon offset: 150.52 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided.

Significant reduction in pollution along the riverbanks and restoration of the local ecosystem.

Social Impact

24,960 volunteer hours contributed by local citizens, corporate volunteers, and NGOs.

Community engagement and ownership built through creative activities like playing football and art, fostering long-term care for the environment.

Economic Impact

₹5.61 lakhs generated through recycling, supporting local waste management and recycling industries.

Community and Cultural Adoption:

Over time, the initiative became a community-driven mission, with 30-40 volunteers continuing the cleanup efforts every Sunday. This grassroots movement has sustained itself for over six years, creating a model for environmental stewardship.



THE ROAD AHEAD

With the sustained success of the Mula Mutha River cleanup program, Earth5R aims to replicate this model across other polluted rivers and water bodies. By combining environmental restoration with community engagement, Earth5R hopes to inspire more cities to adopt a similar approach to waste management and environmental care.

About Earth5R

Earth5R is an ESG and CSR “Action” platform that empowers communities to take real-world action on environmental challenges. Through its circular economy programs, Earth5R fosters sustainable solutions while driving social impact and economic growth. Earth5R’s work has contributed to offsetting over 954,000 tons of CO2, planting 87,000 trees, and engaging 1.3 million citizens globally. By leveraging technology through its award-winning app, Earth5R enables individuals, governments, and businesses to collaborate in building sustainable, resilient communities​.

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