Environment & Sustainability

Dr Anil Rajvanshi’s solar-powered water purification initiative in Phaltan, Maharashtra, transforms rural schools by providing clean drinking water and fostering interest in STEM. This innovation reduces disease and sparks hope, promoting healthier, brighter futures for children.

For 36 years, the Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) has been Chennai’s frontline defence for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, battling habitat loss, pollution, and human threats to ensure their survival.

Water scarcity is a growing challenge, but across India, communities are finding smart ways to conserve every drop. This map takes you through some of the most inspiring efforts—from ancient step wells to modern rainwater harvesting—that are making a real difference in tackling drought and ensuring a sustainable future.

In the lush landscapes of Meghalaya, rural women endured arduous daily treks to fetch water, navigating challenging terrains while balancing heavy pots, even during menstruation or illness. That changed when Lakmen Mary Nongkhlaw led water conservation efforts, vastly improving access and transforming her community’s quality of life. Here’s how she achieved it.

If you see a nest in your locality, chances are it has links to Rakesh Khatri, who has been putting these up across Indian cities for the last 14 years.

What if your trash didn’t just disappear but turned into something valuable? Mana Shah, founder of Green Practices, helps Mumbai households and corporations compost 500 tonnes of waste every month. The best part? They get nutrient-rich compost in return—for free! Here’s how she’s making waste work for the city.

When Mandeep Sangwan saw a lack of sustainability on his campus, he didn’t wait for change — he created it. ‘Green Dreams, ’ the first-ever eco club at Delhi School of Social Work, is inspiring students to build a greener campus by setting up two vertical gardens made out of plastic bottles.

Jyoti Raghavan started the Forest Spirit Learning in Gurugram to help children spend time understanding forests and nature. Here, she encourages them to stargaze, build insect hotels and more.

In 2019, a devastating fire destroyed 1,000 trees in Dr Shankar Lal Garg’s forest, built on barren land. Despite the setback, his resilience turned dreams into reality. Today, Keshar Parvat, a 22-acre lush forest, thrives with over 40,000 trees, showcasing the transformative power of determination and nature.

L Krishnamoorthy’s passion for nature led him from childhood explorations to becoming a dedicated IFS officer committed to conservation. His strategic initiatives at Satpura Tiger Reserve resulted in doubling the tiger population and improved ecosystems. Through community engagement and leveraging technology, he enhanced conservation efforts and earned prestigious awards for his impactful work.