New Delhi, 22nd October 2024 – Gramin Vikas Trust (GVT), in partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), successfully organized a significant e-waste awareness event as part of their ongoing E-Waste Management Project in Delhi-NCR. The initiative, which focuses on sustainable e-waste management practices, community education, and the empowerment of informal waste workers, marked an important step in addressing the rising issue of electronic waste in the area.
Since its inception, the project has taken a holistic approach to e-waste management in Delhi NCR, with a special focus on uprising communities around E-waste in the slums like that of Sangam Vihar. Phase I of the project saw considerable progress, with awareness campaigns, the establishment of e-waste collection points, and the training of local waste workers in safe e-waste handling practices. Phase II aims to deepen community engagement and further enhance infrastructure for more efficient e-waste collection and recycling.
The event, held on 19th October, was attended by Mr. Masashi Takamizawa, Managing Director, Head, New Delhi Branch and Mr. Yasufumi Morita, Managing Director, Japanese Banking Asia Pacific Division, along with the SMBC team. Executed by GVT’s CSR team, the event began with a presentation, highlighting the achievements of Phase I and outlining the strategic plans for Phase II of the project.
An interactive awareness session followed, with around 150 community members in attendance. The session featured a Nukkad Natak (street play) and a quiz to engage participants and raise awareness about e-waste, its environmental impact, and the importance of responsible disposal. In conjunction with the event, an e-waste collection drive was also conducted, encouraging residents to donate their old electronic devices.
During the event, Mr. Takamizawa and Mr. Morita awarded “Waste Warrior” certificates to individuals who contributed e-waste to the collection drive. In recognition of their training and commitment to safe e-waste handling under the project, waste workers from the community were also presented with certificates.
The event concluded with valedictory remarks from Mr. Takamizawa and the Mr. Shailesh Kotru (Senior Lead, BD) and Ms. Sonakshi Shree (Senior Manager, CSR) of GVT, who emphasized the significance of community involvement in sustainable e-waste management.
Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to responsible e-waste disposal and environmental protection. This collaborative effort by GVT and SMBC was a key milestone in driving e-waste awareness and management in Sangam Vihar, further encouraging residents to adopt sustainable practices to reduce environmental hazards.