The project is aiming to trap plastic waste entering the Arabian Sea (Indian Ocean) through the rivers and canals of Udupi and Mangalore region:

 

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, and its impact on marine ecosystems cannot be overstated. This project aims to address the problem of plastic waste entering the Arabian Sea (Indian Ocean) through rivers and canals in the Udupi and Mangalore regions of India.

The project proposes to install plastic-catching barriers across 13 major rivers and 49 identified canals. These barriers will effectively trap approximately 1000 tonnes of plastic waste, preventing it from entering the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the project incorporates advanced technology for data collection and monitoring. Collaborating with local governments, NGOs and Material Recovery Felicities will enhance the block-chain and sustainable management of the project.

 

Focus Areas

 

Marine Life and Fisheries: Plastics in the Arabian Sea can entangle and harm marine life, including fish, turtles, and seabirds. This can disrupt local fisheries, which are a vital source of livelihood for the local fishermen community. Plastic debris can damage fishing equipment and hinder catch, reducing their income.

 

Economic Impact: Tourism is also affected as plastic pollution spoils the scenic beauty of coastal areas. Many fishermen communities supplement their income through tourism-related activities like boat rides and seafood restaurants, which may suffer due to the negative image created by plastic pollution.

 

Water Quality and Health: Plastics can release toxins and chemicals into the water as they break down, leading to contamination of seafood. Consumption of contaminated seafood can pose health risks to the sea food consumers, potentially causing long-term health issues.

 

Navigation Hazards: Floating plastic debris can obstruct navigation routes in the Arabian Sea, making fishing activities more dangerous and less efficient for the community. This can lead to increased operational costs and safety concerns.

 

Habitat Destruction: Plastic pollution in the coastal areas can harm delicate ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs, which play a vital role in supporting marine life and act as natural barriers against coastal erosion. The loss of these habitats affects both fish populations and the protection of coastal communities against natural disasters.

 

Protecting Coastal Communities: Coastal communities in the Udupi and Mangalore regions are vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. And also the majority community in the coastal belt are fishermen and hence their daily livelihood depends on fishing and this costal region has 24 beaches which attracts tourists from various parts of the country and around the world. Plastic pollution exacerbates these challenges. By cleaning up the waterways, the project helps protect these communities from the environmental and economic consequences of plastic pollution.

 

The key innovation of this project lies in the implementation of plastic-catching barriers across 13 major rivers and 49 identified canals. These barriers will effectively trap approximately 1000 tonnes of plastic waste, preventing it from entering the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the project incorporates advanced technology for data collection and monitoring.Collaborating with local governments, NGOs and Material Recovery Felicities will enhance the block-chain and sustainable management of the project.

 

By installing plastic-catching barriers in key locations, we can intercept and collect plastic debris before it reaches the sea. This proposal outlines the innovative approach, expected project impact, community-based partnerships, and financial viability of this initiative.

 

Project Impact

 

Proposed Solution: The project proposes to install plastic-catching barriers across 13 major rivers and 49 identified canals. These barriers will effectively trap approximately 1000 tonnes of plastic waste, preventing it from entering the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the project incorporates advanced technology for data collection and monitoring. Collaborating with local governments, NGOs and Material Recovery Felicities will enhance the block-chain and sustainable management of the project.

 

We are using a technology derived from a German based startup named “Plastic Fischer”. Which is recognized by World Economic Forum and currently we are working with them for the technical support to install these barriers. By installing plastic-catching barriers in key locations, we can intercept and collect plastic debris before it reaches the sea.

 

Environmental Conservation: Prevent plastic pollution in the Arabian Sea by intercepting plastic waste from rivers and canals.

 

Resource Recovery: Segregate valuable plastics for recycling and convert non-recyclable plastics into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for use in cement factories.

 

Community Awareness: Raise awareness among local communities about the importance of waste management and environmental protection.

 

Key Activities:

 

Ø Barrier Installation: Install plastic-catching barriers strategically along the rivers and canals to intercept plastic waste.

Ø Material Recovery Facility (MRF): Partner with Mangala Resource Management Private Limited for segregating and recycling collected plastics.

Ø RDF Production: Non-recyclable plastics will be sent to nearby cement factories for conversion into RDF.

Ø Community Engagement: Conduct workshops, awareness campaigns, and educational programs to engage and educate local communities.

 

Project Implementation:

 

Timeline: The project is planned to be executed over a span of 12 months, with the following milestones:

Identification of Strategic Locations  to apply barriers for the rivers and canals: Months 1-3

Construction of hinges and barriers across the identified rivers and canals: Months 3-5

Recycling of the plastics collected in the barriers installed across rivers and canals: Months 6-12

 

Budget: The estimated budget for this project is $100000, covering barrier installation, staffing, awareness campaigns, and operational costs.

 

 

 

Expected Outcomes:

 

ü Reduction of plastic waste entering the Arabian Sea by approximately 1000 tonnes annually.

ü Reduction in the emission of toxic gases through plastics entering into sea

ü Identifying the plastic wastes which contribute for the majority pollution

ü Creation of employment opportunities in the region through MRF and RDF production.

ü Improved environmental health and marine ecosystem in Udupi and Mangalore.

ü Enhanced community awareness and participation in waste management.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation:

 

ü Regular monitoring of barriers to ensure functionality.

ü Periodic waste audits to assess the efficiency of the MRF and RDF production.

ü Community surveys to gauge awareness and participation levels.

 

Sustainability:

 

Ø Sustainability will be ensured by involving local communities in maintenance and awareness initiatives.

Ø Seek funding opportunities and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations for long-term support.

 

This project aims to address the critical issue of plastic pollution in the Arabian Sea by proactively intercepting plastic waste at the source. It combines environmental conservation with resource recovery and community engagement, making it a holistic and sustainable solution. We request support and funding to implement this initiative for the benefit of Udupi and Mangalore, their ecosystems, and future generations. Together, we can make a significant positive impact on our environment

 

Environmental Impact: The project is expected to prevent approximately 1000 tonnes of plastic waste from entering the Arabian Sea annually, reducing the threat to marine life and ecosystems.

 

Social Impact: The initiative will generate employment opportunities for local communities through barrier installation, maintenance, and plastic collection efforts.

 

Health Impact: By reducing plastic pollution in local water bodies, the project will indirectly improve the health and well-being of residents who rely on these water sources for drinking and irrigation.

 

Educational Impact: Educational programs and awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate local communities about the importance of plastic waste management and its environmental consequences.

 

 

Community-Based Partnerships

 

We have signed an MoU with Mangala Resource Management Private Limited (MRMPL) for the segregation and recycling of collected plastic waste. MRMPL is the top material recovery facility operator in the region and has won a state award. This partnership will help us increase regional recognition and credibility. We have previously partnered in E-waste and plastic waste collection drives in the region.

 

We have collaborated with Plastic Fisher, a German startup that will provide technical support to install plastic-catching barriers. Plastic Fisher's innovation is recognized by the World Economic Forum.

 

We have partnered with Plastic Credit Exchange from the Philippines to obtain plastic credits for the waste that cannot be recycled and needs to be used as Refuse Derived Fuel. This collaboration was facilitated through the support of the Global Shapers hub in Manila, Philippines, as part of the Twin Hub project.

 

We have also joined forces with the “Clean Indrali River Campaign” to raise awareness and media visibility for the project. This collaboration allows us to work closely with the local community and local governments.

 

Additionally, we have partnered with Manipal University to engage students from various institutions as volunteers. We are also using the institutions Technology Business Incubator space for our hub activities and for our monthly connect.

 

We have collaborated with local fisherman community for their active involvement in the project and also they will help us retrieving the waste from the barriers we install. Through this we can create awareness among the community.

 

Furthermore, we have signed an MoU with Susera Recyclers Pvt Ltd as a fiscal sponsor to receive funding, and they will assist us in recycling the recyclable plastic waste