Mandede Village Near Pune Paves the Way Towards Zero Carbon Emissions

A unique collaboration aims to make Mandede village a model for sustainable living and environmental conservation.

Mandede village, situated near Paud in Pune district, is on its way to becoming a zero-carbon emission zone, thanks to a pioneering project undertaken by Praj Industries Limited in collaboration with the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. This initiative focuses on tackling environmental challenges through sustainable practices in water management, renewable energy, waste treatment, and the overall improvement of living standards for villagers.

Key Features of the Project

1. Clean Cooking Solutions:

As part of the initiative, pollution-free cooking stoves have been distributed to 50% of households in the village. This has resulted in a 50% reduction in firewood usage and smoke emissions, significantly improving air quality and reducing health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods.

2. Solar Energy Integration:

To reduce Scope 2 emissions from electricity usage, solar panels have been installed on 10% of the houses as a pilot effort. The project has seen enthusiastic participation from villagers, and there are plans to scale up the installation of solar panels in more homes in the near future.

3. Water Management Initiatives:

Three chain dams in the region have been desilted to ensure adequate water availability throughout the year, even during the summer. This has also contributed to groundwater recharge, improving water levels in wells and borewells. A hydro-geological study and water resource mapping have been completed, and watershed management activities are set to begin this winter to enhance water conservation.

4. Sewage Treatment and Waste Management:

A sewage treatment plant has been constructed in the main wadi of the village. Using natural methods, the plant processes gray water without any energy consumption, making the approach both sustainable and eco-friendly. Plans are in place to replicate this solution in other parts of the village.

At the household level, organic waste is now being processed into compost with the help of composting facilities provided to villagers. This minimizes waste generation and promotes the use of organic manure in farming.

Community Impact and Progress

According to Atul Mule, Trustee of Praj Foundation, the project has been ongoing for over 18 months and has already led to significant changes in the village. Villagers are increasingly adopting sustainable solutions, showcasing their commitment to this initiative. A detailed study is underway to measure the success of the project, ensuring data-driven approaches to accelerate its completion.

Future Plans

The project remains in its pilot phase but has already set a remarkable precedent for other villages in India. The combination of sustainable technologies and community participation holds promise for making Mandede village a national model for zero-carbon living.

With a comprehensive approach addressing energy, water, waste, and lifestyle improvements, Mandede is making strides towards achieving its goal of zero carbon emissions, inspiring neighboring communities to follow suit.