Our Programs
Maharashtra
​Community-Based Waste Management Program - Zirad
Zirad Foundation works with communities, local self-governments, institutions, and waste workers to establish sustainable waste management systems that promote resource recovery and environmental responsibility. The program adopts a participatory approach that encourages households and commercial establishments to segregate waste at source and actively participate in responsible waste disposal practices. The initiative focuses on doorstep awareness, source segregation, composting of organic waste, and channelisation of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, textiles, and multilayer packaging to authorised recycling partners. Through continuous community engagement and behaviour change campaigns, residents are encouraged to reduce waste generation and embrace sustainable lifestyles. By strengthening local capacities and creating efficient waste management systems, the program contributes to cleaner neighbourhoods, reduced landfill dependency, improved public health, and increased resource recovery. The initiative supports communities in building long-term environmental resilience while advancing the principles of a circular economy.
West Bengal
Community-Based Sustainable Waste Management Program
In partnership with Eastern Railway, Howrah Division, GFI is implementing a transformative initiative to promote civic responsibility, decentralised waste management, and the restoration of green spaces through community-led plantation drives. The Community-Based Sustainable Waste Management Program follows a participatory approach that actively involves residents and local stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring. It promotes source segregation and composting to reduce organic waste sent to landfills and foster cleaner, zero-waste communities. By co-creating sustainable infrastructure and strengthening local capacities, the program empowers communities to adopt long-term, environmentally responsible practices. Covering seven railway colonies around Howrah Railway Station, the project directly benefits approximately 2,500 residents, contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and greener living environment.
Smart Green School
The Smart Green School initiative is a comprehensive program designed to transform schools into healthy, safe, and sustainable learning environments, benefiting students across identified schools. The initiative introduces smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual learning tools to enhance environmental education outcomes, along with robust waste management systems featuring colour-coded bins and aerobic composters to ensure effective waste diversion and reduce the burden on landfills. It also strengthens water and sanitation facilities by ensuring access to safe drinking water and improving WASH infrastructure. In addition, kitchen gardens have been established in all participating schools to promote nutrition awareness and hands-on environmental learning. Currently, the programme is being implemented in Rasapunja Prankrishna High School and Rasapunja Jnanadamoyee Balika Vidyalaya in South 24 Parganas, benefiting approximately 1,200 students.
Biodiversity Restoration Initiative
A mangrove plantation initiative was successfully implemented at Bardapur Village, Patharpratima Block, South 24 Parganas, in partnership with the Sundarban Green Environment Association and Meer Foundation. A total of 1,000 native mangrove saplings, including Bain, Goran, Kakra, Horakosh, and Geowa, were planted, achieving an 80% survival rate. The initiative contributes to restoring the fragile Sundarbans ecosystem by enhancing biodiversity, protecting coastlines from erosion and extreme weather events, supporting aquatic habitats, and increasing carbon sequestration. This effort reflects a strong commitment to environmental conservation, climate resilience, and the long-term sustainability of coastal communities.
A successful plantation drive was carried out at Liluah, Howrah, in partnership with the Howrah Railway Division and the Aditya Birla Group, during which 1,000 native saplings were planted to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen the local green cover, achieving a 95% survival rate. The initiative reflected a shared commitment to ecological conservation by encouraging the planting of native species that support biodiversity, improve air quality, and enhance ecosystem resilience. This collaborative effort not only expanded green spaces but also reinforced the importance of collective action in building healthier, more sustainable, and climate-resilient communities.
Delhi NCR
Adopt-a-Road
The Adopt-a-Road initiative seeks to transform a 217-meter stretch adjacent to Sikanderpur Rapid Metro Station, Gurugram, into a clean, safe, green, and pedestrian-friendly public corridor. The project combines sustainable urban design with improved public infrastructure through the installation of eco-friendly pavers, strategic landscaping, and an integrated waste management system. By prioritising accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability, the initiative aims to create a model public space that enhances the daily experience of pedestrians while contributing to a more resilient urban environment.
The project has been designed in alignment with the technical standards outlined in IRC:103-2012, MoRTH 5th Revision (2013), and the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0. Responding to the growing challenges of pedestrian safety and poor walkability in Gurugram, the intervention adopts a holistic approach that combines infrastructure improvements with citizen engagement and long-term maintenance. The corridor is envisioned as a replicable model for sustainable streetscape development that can be scaled across other urban areas in the city.
