Green Circle Dwarka recycles e-waste to fund tree planting drive.
In a mission to save environment, Green Circle Dwarka Delhi Chapter recycled e-waste in a tie up with Karo Sambhav , e-waste aggregator. ‘We have honoured our commitment to plant trees from the amount generated from recycling e-waste collected from Nayantara Apartments, Dwarka. Planting was done at the same apartment’ said Abha Gupta, Secretary of Green Circle Dwarka chapter.
She added that Karo Sambhav passed on the proceeds of collected e-waste to Green Circle , which was utilised for plantation as per agreement. A K Saigal of Krishna apartment said , ‘Green Circle will repeat this collection drive in coordination with Karo Sambhav and the activity will be extended to all Dwarka apartments in a phased manner’ Volunteers from Green Circle who participated in the drive included Chitra Jain ,Seema Mittal,Abha Gupta,Ashwani Saigal,Manoj De and P V Lakshmi. From Nayanthara Apartments, Meenakshi Garg, Nisha Singhal, Poonam Singhal, Pravin Singh, Naresh and Ambuj participated in the plantation drive. Meenakshi Garg of the Apartment said, ‘we are thankful to Green Circle that they utilised the money for planting saplings in our premises. On the one hand e-waste were properly recycled and on the other the money generated was used for planting trees inside our compound’
A report by Kumar Kalyandurg, Secretary Green Circle Bangalore
The occasion was the orientation workshop for freshers in BMS Institute. The session was ‘ecosensitisation of the new entrants’. As usual, Selva ji, with full energy, presented a very much educative & informative session about the conducive Environment at BMSIT Engineering College for 1st Semester Engineering Students. Sir also conducted a simple quiz involving students on the dais with little of humor added to the ambience. He also emphasized the need for improvising creativity in all spheres to excel. The PPT presentation was superb, with interaction with the students. Overall, the session was a memorable one for both the students and faculty. On behalf of Selva Sir & Green Circle, saying ‘Thank you’, Dr (Prof.) Tejaswini for all your efforts in conducting / coordinating such a lovely Session for the new comers to BMSIT.
Asst Commissioner agrees spot inspection to assess encroachment of the kaluve (Avalahalli lake canal)
Bangalore: The feeder canal for Avalahalli lake is available in the map, says survey report. A survey was conducted by revenue officials at the request of Green Circle more than a year ago. But the canal is only in the map, not in reality, says Vidyasagar Arya, a member of Green Circle. He adds, ‘The Panchayat officials arranged JCB to dig the canal as per survey number last year. We were confident that the canal (Kaluve) would be revived. It would connect Krishna Sagara lake in upstream and Avalahalli lake in downstream.’ Ramachandra of MSR NE County adds, ‘Our layout is the worst affected due to flooding during the rainy season. This year, the monsoon was very active and the layout was flooded on a few occasions.
If kaluve were rejuvenated as per the survey report, by this time, our flooding problem would have been sorted out. Avalahalli lake also would have water supply.’ Green Circle submitted a petition to the Yelahanka Tehsildar, under whose jurisdiction the canal lies. But the authorities were sitting on the file without any action. Panchayat officials expressed their inability to act. Four plot owners had given a petition to divert the canal. The canal passes through their plots. Green Circle ran from pillar to post to get the canal alive but in vain. Recently, Green Circle visited the Tehsildar. He informed them that the file has been transferred to the jurisdiction of the Asst Commissioner, Bangalore North. Green Circle team visited the office of Asst Commissioner, North Bangalore Dr Kiran, KAS and presented the case. He gave a patient listening to the team and ordered spot inspection to check the reality. ‘Soon we are expecting some action from the authorities. We will not leave any stone unturned to get the kaluve rejuvenated’ said Kumar Kalyandurg, Secretary of Green Circle. Vasantha Kumar, Biju, and Selvarajan were also present during the representation. Dr Kiran assured that the necessary steps would be taken. Once survey numbers show the canal path, there is no question of deviation. Green Circle members are pinning their hope on the survey report, and feel that it is a long-drawn-out battle.
As part of our ongoing commitment to promote responsible e-waste management and environmental awareness, an awareness session was conducted at Happy Homes Society, organized by Ms. Romila Gandhi, the Delhi coordinator from Green Circle. The session saw active participation from around 40 residents, making it an engaging and community-centric event The session opened with a comprehensive overview of e-waste—its definition, environmental impact, and the crucial role each individual can play in managing it responsibly. The format encouraged active participation, allowing attendees to engage with the content and clarify doubts.
Participants gained insight into what constitutes e-waste, including everyday items like outdated phones, chargers, and electronic accessories, which require careful handling due to hazardous components. The hazards of informal e-waste collection, including health risks and environmental damage caused by unsafe handling and processing, were contrasted with the benefits of formal, regulated recycling processes that ensure safe disposal and resource recovery. The role of manufacturers and producers in managing e-waste through EPR frameworks was explained, highlighting accountability across the product lifecycle. The importance of segregation, regular collection, and active community participation in waste management practices was emphasized to promote a cleaner, healthier environment. The session witnessed vibrant interaction from residents, with thoughtful questions and shared experiences enriching the discussion. The immediate impact was evident as residents brought in e-waste items, contributing to a successful on-site collection. This hands-on involvement demonstrated the community’s commitment to adopting better waste management habits. Ms. Romila will coordinate with the society head to finalize the date for the collection. She will inform us once the schedule is confirmed, ensuring smooth and timely follow-up for further e-waste collection. The awareness session at Happy Homes Society was a significant step forward in fostering environmental consciousness and responsible e-waste disposal. The combination of detailed discussions, resident engagement, and the practical collection drive set a positive precedent for future initiatives. In the session, the upcoming Green Mela on 1.11.25 was also discussed, encouraging individuals to collaborate and contribute to this community event. Green Circle remains dedicated to supporting such community efforts, aiming to cultivate sustainable practices and collective environmental stewardship.
Bangalore: A tree-planting drive was organised on Raksha Bandhan Day this year by Green Circle, Bangalore. 100 native saplings were planted to mark the occasion. Besides, a Puja was held as the venue chosen was a temple, and some religious trees were planted. One of our youngest volunteers, Ponmalar planted a sapling and tied a Rakhi to it. She also tied another Rakhi to a grown-up tree to mark the Raksha Bandhan. ‘For me, this tree is like my brother, and today I tied the Rakhi symbolically because trees protect us and give us oxygen, besides many other benefits.
It is trees that protect us. Ramachandra, a resident, added, ‘All Hindu festivals have their links to nature in one way or another. It is time for us to celebrate all festivals close to nature. Roopa Sri of Jeevan Mukthi supplied all native trees, namely Kadamba, Amla, Neem, Teak, Soap nut, Avocado, Pongamia, Silk cotton, Peepal, Champak, Mahogany, Palm, Banyan, Arjuna, Jackfruit, Clove, and Oleander trees. She added, ‘Green Circle volunteers have given enough space between saplings to ensure their dense growth. More interestingly they have ensured water supply and tree guards for protection. I will visit this place periodically to give suggestions and participate in nurturing the trees’. Vasanth Kumar, Kumar Kalyandurg, Sandip, Ramachandra, Vidya, Veerapathrappa, Karthikeyan, Ponmalar, Dewan Gowda, Biju, and Muniappa were among the volunteers who participated in the program. Selvarajan, Chairman of Green Circle, thanked Jeevan Mukthi team, the RWAs of MSR NE County, BEL Layout, Panchayat Council Members of Singanayakkanahalli Panchayat, other volunteers from Rotary club Paramaguru, and Dinesh. Members dropped compost also to ensure faster growth, besides support sticks
Residents have lost hope! Their efforts to convince the authorities had evoked no response.“Our only mistake is buying homes in an overlooked area,” says Ramchandra, a member of the Resident Welfare Association of MS Ramaiah North East County in Yelahanka, Bangalore.
He adds that we will not blame the authorities alone, but residents will also be held accountable. Vidya, a resident, adds, “The trash has been there for more than 100 days. The layout is coming under Avalahalli village, which is a part of the Singanayakkanahalli Panchayat. Originally developed by the Bangalore Development Authority, the layout lacks streetlights, sewage systems, roads, or garbage collection facilities. The authorities shift the blame onto one another, but are not ready to help”. Green Circle members inspected the site and requested the local Panchayat members to clear the trash. Kumar Kalyandurg, the Secretary of Green Circle, stated that they have informed Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) about the issue. They provided details of the location and photos.
The taxpayers are fuming because they have not received any attention from any authorities. Many authorities like KPCB, KWSSB, BBMP, BDA, and PDO inspect the area when petitioned. They simply write to each other to close the file. After that, nothing tangible happens!’ observes another resident. The shortage of amenities has contributed to a noticeable number of vacant plots in this area. Many investors are cautiously optimistic, having made significant investments in the plots. No wonder Bangalore is rated as the fifth dirtiest city in India!
Green Circle Nainital chapter organized a tree plantation drive in the forest area next to the Pine Oak Paradise apartments. They also participated in a Plogging event to remove plastic from the neighborhood.. The newly planted trees include majestic oaks and fragrant deodars. They are strategically chosen. The goal is to curb the invasive spread of pine trees in the area. Additionally, we conducted a thorough review of last year’s plantation efforts during Harela. We are pleased to report that the growth has been thriving. It is satisfactory and makes a positive contribution to the landscape. Sudhir, the newly elected Chapter Convener, said that Harela marks the revamping of environmental activities. They plan to hold some activities in the nearby schools. Manmohan, Secretary and Aftab Ahmed, Treasurer, hailed the decision to gear up the activities. Many members of Pine Oak Paradise attended the tree planting drive to mark Harela.
17th May 2025Venue: Nayantara Apartment, Sector 7, Dwarka, New Delhi
Introduction As part of our ongoing commitment to promote responsible e-waste management and environmental awareness, an awareness session was conducted at Nayantara Apartment, organized by Ms. Romila and Ms. Abha, the Delhi coordinators from Green Circle. This event aimed not only to educate residents about the importance of proper e-waste disposal but also to encourage sustainable practices in their daily lives. The session saw active participation from over 25 residents, including several children, making it an engaging and community-centric event.
Session Overview The session kicked off with an engaging introduction to the topic of e-waste—what it is, why it matters, and how individuals can make a difference. The interactive format helped capture the attention of both adults and children, leading to meaningful discussions and questions throughout the program. The key topics covered included. Understanding E-Waste: Participants learned that e-waste includes discarded electronic devices like old mobile phones, laptops, chargers, and more. These items often contain hazardous materials that can pollute the environment if not properly managed. Informal vs. Formal Recycling: Hazards and Benefits: Informal recycling practices, such as unsafe dismantling and burning of e-waste, pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems due to the release of toxic substances. In contrast, formal recycling methods ensure the safe recovery of valuable materials, reducing the need for new raw materials.
This not only supports resource conservation but also lowers the overall environmental impact. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Formal recycling also plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by limiting the need for energy-intensive extraction and production processes. Role of Communities in Waste Management: Residents were encouraged to adopt environmentally-friendly waste disposal habits across all categories—electronic, plastic, organic, and paper waste. The importance of segregation at source and regular collection drives was discussed. Initiatives to Reduce Plastic Waste: We also discussed the plastic-management initiatives by various stakeholders and we also discussed regarding proper-recycling of plastics as well. Community Engagement and Interaction The session stood out for its high level of participation and enthusiasm, especially from children, who showed keen interest and asked several thoughtful questions about recycling and sustainability. A short group discussion added a fun and interactive element to the event. Notably, residents brought e-waste from their homes, resulting in the collection of approximately 4–5 kilograms of e-waste during the event itself—demonstrating immediate action following the awareness session. In addition to e-waste, the conversation also extended to broader environmental concerns, such as plastic pollution, water conservation, and the importance of green spaces in urban areas.
E-Bin Initiative Following the session, the residents’ welfare committee placed a carton box within the apartment premises to collect e-waste. The initiative was well received, and residents have already started dropping off their e-waste, marking a positive step toward responsible disposal. Conclusion The e-waste awareness session at Nayantara Apartment was a resounding success. With strong resident engagement, active participation from children, and immediate e-waste collection, the event achieved its goal of initiating positive change. This session not only increased awareness but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility toward environmental sustainability. The Green Circle team is hoped to continue organizing such impactful events in the future, helping to sustain momentum and inspire ongoing commitment to responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.
Down to Earth care needed – Green Circle Chairman Dr V Selvarajan
Presidency School of Law conducted an intra-university poster-making competition titled ‘Art for Earth‘. This was to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2025. The theme for this year was “Our Power, Our Planet“. This initiative aimed to combine artistic expression with environmental advocacy. It sought to foster a culture of awareness among the youth. It also aimed to instill responsibility in them. The key resource person for the event was Dr. V. Selva Rajan, an environmentalist. A good number of participants attended the event. They designed compelling and thoughtful posters. These highlighted the role of legal frameworks in fostering sustainability. The competition served as an educational tool. It was also an advocacy tool. Students transformed complex legal and social theories into compelling visual narratives. Dr. Saroj Sharma Dean, School of law, welcomed the gathering. This event was coordinated by Dr. Mohd Saleem, Associate Professor, and Ms. Toshali Pattnaik, Assistant Professor.
The report of the Presidency University School of law is given in the link. Click the link below to view.
Green Circle, Dwarka Chapter, organized a walk at Basai Wetlands to highlight the urgent need for conservation. This wetland is home to thousands of migratory birds. 20 members from Green Circle Dwarka visited Basai Wetlands. It is located adjacent to the Dwarka Expressway. They assessed the current condition of the site. Basai Wetlands is a globally recognized birding hotspot. It has been considered one of India’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) by Birdlife International for a long time. It supports around 20,000 migratory and domestic birds belonging to 295 species, according to the website ‘eBird International.’
The walk was led by Selvarajan, Chairman of Green Circle. Participants raised slogans and held placards to draw attention to the poor status of the wetlands. Romilla Gandhi, who organized the walk, emphasized the need for immediate action as the marshland is almost dried out. She urged members to help rejuvenate the waterbody and highlighted that the wetlands are only 10 minutes away from Dwarka. Green Circle intends to advocate for the wetlands’ protection with the Haryana government. Gaurav is an activist in the Basai Wetlands conservation movement from Gurugram. He noted that hundreds of bar-headed geese, wagtails, sandpipers, and godwits used to visit the wetlands during winter. These birds are now rarely seen. He pointed out that untreated and polluted sewage water now reaches this unique wetland, which once had clean water. Muralidhar, another member of Green Circle, recalled that 25 years ago, Basai was frequented by massive flocks of bar-headed geese. These birds migrated from Mongolia and China. The journey involved crossing the Himalayas in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius during winter. Nowadays, these birds are seldom spotted.
Selvarajan stated that wetlands are crucial for the ecosystem, not only for protecting birdlife but also for recharging groundwater. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness among locals about the wetlands’ significance. Gaurav added that the ‘Save Basai Conservation Movement’ will form a core committee. This committee will highlight the wetlands’ vulnerability. It will engage with the Haryana government for their preservation. It was decided to send a petition to the Haryana government to advocate for the protection of wetlands. After the walk, Green Circle members visited Sultanpur National Park. They observed the successful conservation of the park as a birding hotspot.
GREEN CIRCLE 