Green Campus
“At its core, the issue of a clean environment is a matter of public health.”
– Gina McCarthy, Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Sustainability is a critical element of any health program and, we at KGVM Trust understand and truely believe that . If a program does not have sustainability capacity, it can waste money and resources, damage trust between the program and the community at large, and may be limited in its ability to achieve its overall long term goals. With that philosophy we have started many initiatives to make us sustainable in the long run.
On 2nd October, 2017, MCGM announced its policy of collecting only dry solid waste. The wet waste was to be composted / disposed at its source of generation by the citizens. Thus responsibility of disposal of biodegradable waste generated within the KGVM campus lies primarily on KGVM.
KGVM is a large and spread out campus with a dispersed built footprint and surrounding open space. The campus has a good tree cover and green open spaces open. Thus the campus generates a substantial amount of green waste. This includes leaf litter, palm fronds, twigs, plant cuttings and trimmings. During monsoon the campus also looses a tree or more. Currently this waste is partially burned and partially carted away by MCGM. As per general observation an area of this size would generate approximately 300 kg to 400 kg of green waste per day. The volume would be higher in the winters and the weight would higher in monsoon.
The accumulated plant matter from gardening activities which involve cutting or removing vegetation, i.e. cutting the lawn, weed removal, hedge trimming or pruning consisting of lawn clippings, leaf matter, wood and soil. It needs regular disposal / management to avoid foul odour, insect breeding etc.
The total number of footfalls on the campus is approx 800 per day which includes 350 residents and 450 nonresidents / visitors. Thus the quantum of wet waste generated on the campus is:Total no of permanent (day duration) persons = 800; Generation of total waste per person = 0.5 kg/ day (as per NEERI); Total manmade waste generated in campus = 400 kg / day; Generation of organic waste = 30% of total waste = 120 kg / day. Improper disposal or composting brings in rodents. It needs timely composting. Organic waste composters are the best way for the effective disposal by converting the biodegradable waste into rich fertile soil.
At present, we have built a facility consisting of a shredder, containers and tumblers for maturing the compost and a temporary shed for the composting of 100kg garden waste and 50kg wet waste based on Bio Culture Composting. But much needs to be achieved in the form of Organic waste converters, curing racks, etc. so as to be able to manage, on a daily basis, the entire waste generated on our premises.
You can contribute by sponsoring our Solid Waste Management Project
Nestled in the middle of the megalopolis of Mumbai lies the King George V Memorial Trust campus. A lush and verdant patch of greenery in the midst of a concrete jungle. This 7 acre campus while serving the needy and underprivileged is also a home to many botanical species.
To support this initiative, we have implemented an extensive irrigation system that connects the water supply to various parts of the campus, ensuring optimal water distribution for plant and tree maintenance. This system not only keeps the campus looking lush but also minimizes water wastage.
Additionally, in an effort, to conserve municipal drinking water, we are utilizing ring well water for the toilet facilities across the campus. This approach helps us reduce reliance on municipal water resources, making our campus operations more eco-friendly and sustainable."
