Empowering People, Building Communities

India's rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns are driving a significant increase in waste generation. Urban local bodies generate over 170,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB 2023-24 report). However, inadequate waste segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal continue to contribute to environmental pollution and public health risks.

Globally, nearly 40% of waste is still disposed of through open dumping, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management systems and circular economy solutions (United Nations Environment Program (UNEP 2024). Shell-supported initiatives in Gujarat and Karnataka demonstrate how decentralized and circular waste management approaches can strengthen local waste management systems, improve resource recovery, and deliver better environmental outcomes.

Hazira Solid Waste Management Project, Gujarat

Hazira village in Gujarat, with a population of around 15,000 residents, generates approximately 1,700-2,000 kg of waste daily. To address waste management challenges and reduce reliance on open dumping, Shell India supported the development of a modern waste management facility equipped with segregation, composting, and recycling infrastructure.

Project Highlights

• 1,677+ tonnes of solid waste treated and segregated
• 500 MT waste segregation facility installed
• 15,000 residents benefited
• 1,700-2,000 kg of waste managed daily
• Composting and baling infrastructure established
• Improved waste segregation, recycling, and resource recovery

Impact

The project has strengthened solid waste management in Hazira by enabling scientific waste processing, reducing landfill dependency, and promoting resource recovery. The initiative is helping create a cleaner environment while supporting more sustainable waste management practices in the community.

North Bangalore (Karnataka) waste management project:

Across 37 villages in 5 Gram Panchayats, limited waste collection and disposal systems led to environmental and public health challenges. To address this, Shell India, in partnership with a local NGO, established waste management infrastructure, introduced door-to-door collection, strengthened local capacities, and promoted responsible waste management practices.

Project Highlights

• 424 tonnes of waste managed
• 37 villages across 5 Gram Panchayats covered
• 20,000 households benefited
• 90% waste collection achieved
• 85% source segregation achieved
• 182 tonnes of waste recycled
• 240 tonnes of waste composted and scientifically processed
• 2,879 kg of residual waste safely managed

Impact

The project has strengthened local waste management systems, improved resource recovery, and created a cleaner and healthier environment. In addition, revenue generated through recycling and resource recovery is helping Gram Panchayats build more sustainable waste management practices.

Reliable public lighting remains a challenge in many rural communities, affecting safety, mobility, and access to essential services. To address this, Shell implemented a solar street lighting initiative across villages in Taloja (Maharashtra) and North Bengaluru Rural (Karnataka), providing clean and reliable lighting through renewable energy.

Project Highlights

• 507 solar streetlights installed
• 30 villages covered
• Nearly 35 km of village roads illuminated
• 20,000+ families benefited

Impact

The initiative has improved community safety, enhanced mobility after dark, and increased access to public spaces and essential services. By leveraging solar energy, it also provides a cost-effective and sustainable model for rural infrastructure development.

Mangroves are critical coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, store carbon, protect shorelines from storms, and sustain local livelihoods.

Since 2004, Shell India has supported mangrove restoration across the Hazira peninsula in Gujarat, working with local communities, NGOs, experts, and the Forest Department. The project also engages Village Environment Committees to protect plantations until they become self-sustaining.

Project Highlights

• 1,200+ hectares of mangroves restored
• 5 villages covered
• Community-led protection and stewardship
• Enhanced coastal resilience and biodiversity
• Long-term carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration

Residents of Hazira often face challenges accessing primary healthcare services. Since 2003, Shell India has supported a community medical dispensary in Hazira, providing affordable healthcare, essential medicines, and preventive services to local and migrant communities.

Project Highlights

• 1 community medical dispensary supported since 2003
• Full-time doctor and paramedical team available
• 297,890+ patients served (as of July 2026)
• Affordable consultations and medicines at ₹30 per patient
• Specialized health camps covering pediatrics, orthopedics, gynecology, diabetes, hypertension, and ECG screening

Safe Drinking Water

The coastal villages of the Hazira peninsula face challenges in accessing safe drinking water due to saline and contaminated water sources. To improve access to clean water, Shell installed community-managed Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants across the region.

Project Highlights

• 13 community RO plants installed
• 500-2,000 litres per hour treatment capacity
• 8,000+ families served daily
• 8.24+ crore litres of safe drinking water supplied
• Village Panchayat-managed operations and maintenance

Impact

These initiatives have improved access to essential healthcare and safe drinking water, contributing to healthier communities and enhanced quality of life across the Hazira region.