Since the Citizen’s Initiative ‘Clean Coonoor’ was formed on 24 October 2014, caring for the environment has been the driving force behind everything we do. Guided by the firm conviction that environmental degradation is preventable, we have joined forces with diverse partners to achieve a common vision—a township with a growth that brings real benefits to the people, raises quality and efficiency of development, and contributes to energy conservation and environmental protection.
Working together, we have made significant progress in advancing the goals and objectives of our area of primary focus that holds the most promise for advancing sustainable development: improving and strengthening solid waste management with the ultimate goal of ‘Zero Waste to Landfill,’ in mind. Other interests to which we devote equal attention are Surface Drainage, Waterbody Protection, Eco-restoration, Sensitisations, and Heritage.
As we celebrate our collective impact over the past 10 years, we must also acknowledge the great challenges we have faced—and continue to face—as an organisation. Waste generation and the associated evil of plastic pollution is forever on the increase. Poor understanding of ecosystems continue to lead to well meant but ill suited interventions which accelerate their degradation.
Today, we are better prepared than ever before to meet these challenges. We now know that local-based solutions are necessary for local problems and what is working to reduce the carbon footprint. Working closely with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have built a strong and unified foundation for a decentralised waste management programme and an effective re-wilding attempt. The many accomplishments outlined in this report are a testament to hard work and dedication. We extend our sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organisation’s that have contributed to these accomplishments. And yet there is more to do.
Trustees
Clean Coonoor