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Beyond policy: Citizens take lead in India's green movement
Beyond policy: Citizens take lead in India's green movement

Time of India

time01-08-2025

  • General
  • Time of India

Beyond policy: Citizens take lead in India's green movement

Representative image Across India, individuals are emerging as key players in the country's growing environmental movement. From restoring forests to organising clean-up drives, these citizens are leading community-based efforts to address pressing ecological challenges through practical action and sustained commitment. Among them is Rajendra Singh, also known as the "Waterman of India" who is recognised for his work in water conservation. Similarly, Jadav Payeng, often referred to as the "Forest Man of India," has been planting trees for decades, transforming barren land into green cover. Sumaira Abdulali has consistently raised awareness about the environmental impacts of sand mining, focusing on the protection of coastal and riverbed ecosystems. I by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What's my car worth? Take a look here (you might be surprised) Cars Value Click Here Undo n Tamil Nadu, bus conductor Marimuthu Yoganathan has planted over 3 lakh saplings. His early efforts to report illegal tree cutting in the Nilgiris district during his school years went unheeded, but he persisted. His work was also acknowledged by the Prime Minister in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address. Yoganathan was invited to the Independence Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2023 and met the Prime Minister. Other individuals focus on sustainable living practices. Pankti Pandey promotes zero-waste lifestyles, and Aakash Ranison combines travel with climate awareness campaigns. Pandey has built an online community of over 4 lakh followers and advises companies on sustainability practices. Her work has earned her national awards, including recognition from the Prime Minister. In urban areas, citizens are creating awareness through platforms like social media. Bengaluru-based Vani Murthy is promoting composting and home gardening. Architect Nayana Premnath has designed sustainable homes and works with communities to promote greener living. Community clean-up efforts are another major area of focus. Ripudaman Bevli and Malhar Kalambe have led multiple clean-up drives across Mumbai, focusing on public spaces and coastal zones, respectively. Their consistent efforts highlight the role of civic engagement in addressing urban waste and pollution. Entrepreneurship and environmental media also feature in the movement. Prerna Prasad works in the sustainable business space, while Mike Pandey creates films focused on wildlife and nature conservation. Pradeep Sangwan has been leading mountain trail clean-up campaigns in northern India through his organisation Healing Himalayas. Since 2016, the initiative has removed over 1,600 tonnes of waste across 1,000 drives and established eight recovery facilities. It is now expanding its reach to the Chardham region to further responsible tourism. Tree-planting initiatives continue to gain traction through efforts such as the Give Me Trees Trust, founded by Peepal Baba (Swami Prem Parivartan). Starting as a personal initiative in 1977, the trust has evolved into one of India's larger community-based tree-planting movements. Environmental education and creative outreach are also part of the landscape. Pravin Mishra conducts workshops on terrace gardening and operates a nursery that supplies saplings to Delhi residents. His workshops and public campaigns aim to build awareness about the importance of urban greenery. Technological solutions are also being developed. Prachi Shevgaonkar launched the Cool The Globe platform, which enables users to track and reduce their carbon footprint. The initiative has reached over 110 countries and helped cut more than 2 million kilograms of emissions. Her work has been recognised by the finance minister under the "Young Changemaker of the Year" honour. The Times of India is all set to host the Ecopreneur Honours on August 4—a celebration of green champions! From eco-warrior individuals to planet-positive startups and visionary organisations, it's time to spotlight those making sustainability their mission . Know more

The power of one: Meet the changemakers shaping India's eco movement for a sustainable tomorrow
The power of one: Meet the changemakers shaping India's eco movement for a sustainable tomorrow

Time of India

time18-07-2025

  • General
  • Time of India

The power of one: Meet the changemakers shaping India's eco movement for a sustainable tomorrow

As India accelerates its drive toward a greener future, a quieter but equally determined movement is unfolding—one led not by institutions, but by individuals working across the country to address environmental challenges with personal initiative and long-term commitment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These changemakers are not only raising awareness but also implementing on-the-ground solutions, proving that sustainability is not just a policy priority, but a personal one. Take Rajendra Singh, widely known as the Waterman of India. His work in water conservation has made him one of the most recognised environmental voices in the country. Along similar lines of ecological impact, Jadav Payeng, referred to as the Forest Man of India, has spent decades planting trees and transforming barren land into thriving green ecosystems. In the field of environmental advocacy, Sumaira Abdulali has made her mark by focusing on the issue of sand mining, working to preserve fragile coastal and riverbed environments. Tree planting is another area of individual-driven action. Marimuthu Yoganathan, called the Tree Man of India, has personally planted over 3 lakh saplings, spreading environmental awareness while working full-time as a bus conductor. Waste reduction and lifestyle change are also key themes in this space. Pankti Pandey promotes waste-free living and helps people identify practical, sustainable alternatives in their daily routines. Aakash Ranison integrates travel with sustainability messaging, using his journeys to create awareness around climate change. Urban sustainability efforts are also seeing individual leadership. Vani Murthy, active on Instagram, promotes composting and home gardening as tools for environmental stewardship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Similarly, Nayana Premnath, with a background in architecture, has championed green living through design and community engagement. On the civic participation front, Ripudaman Bevli has led clean-up campaigns across Mumbai, mobilising citizens to take part in reclaiming public spaces. Malhar Kalambe, too, has been conducting regular beach clean-up drives to tackle marine pollution. Entrepreneurship and communication are emerging as tools of sustainability. Prerna Prasad turned to business to support environmental goals, while Mike Pandey, a veteran filmmaker, uses cinema to raise awareness on wildlife and conservation. In eco-tourism and conservation, Pradeep Sangwan has led expeditions focused on cleaning up high-altitude trails and spreading the message of responsible travel. Peepal Baba, founder of Give Me Trees Trust, has overseen the plantation of trees across India, working to restore green cover. Some are leveraging art and activism. Pravin Mishra has been recognised for his work in raising ecological awareness through creative platforms. Meanwhile, Prachi Shevgaonkar, founder of Cool The Globe, is helping individuals track and reduce their carbon footprint, one action at a time.

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