ROKA and SWM 3.0

ROKA conducted an awareness drive for the domestic helps on September 18, 2022, at Chennai High School, Kamraj Avenue. The drive aimed at providing a holistic understanding of solid waste management and source segregation practices. 

Named ‘ROKA’s SWM 3.0’, the event aimed at educating the domestic helpers and watchmen about the ‘What, Why, and Hows’ of source segregation. The interactive drive was replete with video explanations, demonstrations and quizzes for effective understanding of the concepts. The provocation table set up as part of the event did provoke their interest. P.Saranya, Treasurer of ROKA, explained about sustainable alternatives of single use and other plastics.

The drive saw many enthusiastic participants who were eager to implement the practices at their homes and workplaces. “Plastic is the root cause of most of the issues that we face today. We have seen the garbage dump at Perungudi and Pallikaranai and it is Us and the Urbaser Sumeet staff who deal with garbage. If implementation of source segregation can help solve our problems, then we look forward to implementing it in our lives,” said Kasi, a participant.

The drive was also conducted in Hindi to cater to the needs of many Hindi speaking watchmen. “Domestic helpers deal with waste at places where they work. Thus when we educate them on source segregation, they will know how to segregate it properly. Similarly, it is important to educate the watchmen and include them in this process because they can ensure correct disposal of waste at the apartment level,” said Veerendra Mathur, President of ROKA.

ROKA also recognised the efforts of some of the domestic helpers and watchmen who were doing exceptional work in source segregation, at the event. One of the watchmen, Birender Rokaya, also gave a brief talk on composting.

The drive was conducted by ROKA in association with Greater Chennai Corporation and Urbaser Sumeet. ROKA. At the end of the drive, everyone took an oath to segregate waste and keep the city clean. ROKA thanks the sponsors, GCC, Urbaser Sumeet and school officials for contributing to help facilitate the drive. At the end of the session, the participants were served food and given gifts.