On Earth Day, Sattva Group, along with Knowledge Realty Trust and rePurpose Global, announced the Karnataka Zero Waste Initiative, a three-year programme aimed at improving waste management systems along Karnataka’s coastline.

The initiative focuses on addressing waste problems caused by plastics within the coast of the region. Karnataka has an approximate coast length of 320 kilometres in which plastics make up to 60 percent of the coast garbage. The plan seeks to create a system for the handling of garbage that will be financially sustainable and locally run.

Under this project, an estimate of 80,000 houses will be linked to proper garbage collection facilities, while at least 50 coastal villages will be incorporated into organised waste management. This project also intends to assist more than 200 garbage collectors through bettering their lives, skills, and working environment. The project seeks to recover and process roughly 4.5-million-kilogram waste.

Shivam Agarwal, Vice President, Strategy, Sattva Group, said: “Protecting Karnataka’s coastline and addressing the growing challenge of waste is essential to sustaining the environment and improving the overall quality of life. The coastline is a vital ecological and economic asset, and improving its condition has a direct impact on local livelihoods and communities. Through the Karnataka Zero Waste Initiative, we are enabling structured, community-led waste management systems that strengthen local practices while creating more secure and dignified livelihoods. The initiative is designed to deliver measurable improvements and contribute to a cleaner, more resilient coastline for the state.”

Jiji Thomas, Head – ESG & Sustainability, Knowledge Realty Trust said, “Knowledge Realty Trust (KRT) recognises that environmental stewardship extends beyond our asset boundaries. Coastal waste is a material ESG risk with implications for climate resilience and long-term asset value. Our focus will be on creating awareness on upstream control to be exercised by urban centers to reduce land-to-sea waste burden”

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with rePurpose Global and the Centre for Applied Research and People’s Engagement (CARPE). rePurpose Global will lead the design and execution of waste recovery systems, while CARPE will support research-based work in waste management and environmental restoration. Knowledge Realty Trust will oversee governance and structure of the programme.

Aditya Siroya, Chief Impact Officer and Founder of rePurpose Global, said the focus is on building waste management systems that are locally embedded and operationally effective.

The initiative is intended to improve coastal waste management outcomes in Karnataka through coordinated systems and community participation over the coming years.