In an endeavour to instill the values of cleanliness from a young age, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has launched the innovative 'Dry Waste Bank' initiative across 15 schools in the Belapur to Vashi division. This initiative aims to educate children about waste segregation and responsible waste disposal practices while garnering active participation from students, their families, and the community.

Under the 'Dry Waste Bank' initiative, students are provided with cloth bags to collect various types of dry waste, including plastic bottles, packaging materials, and glass bottles. Once a week, students bring the collected dry waste to school, where they are awarded points based on the quantity and type of waste they contribute. These points are recorded in a passbook distributed to participating students through their class teachers.

The initiative also incentivizes students by offering educational items upon reaching certain milestones, such as 100, 200, or 500 points. Moreover, students who surpass the 2000-point mark receive a prestigious 'West Warrior' certificate in recognition of their efforts.

The collected plastic waste is systematically managed by the solid waste management department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, ensuring proper disposal and recycling at the Turbhe solid waste management project site.

Presently, the 'Dry Waste Bank' initiative has been implemented in 15 schools, with 2771 students actively participating in the program. Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar recently graced the 'Sankalp Swachhata' program to commend the initiative's success and offer his support.

During the event, notable achievements were recognized, with students like Shubham Pal from SS High School, Sector 44, Seawood Nerul, Ekta Suresh Koli from NMMC School No. 2, Diwale village, and Vansh Keshav Shinde from NMMC School, Vashigaon, being honoured for their outstanding contributions to the initiative.

Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar reiterated the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of cleanliness and environmental consciousness among the younger generation, emphasizing the need for collective efforts towards a cleaner and greener future.