The Corporation of the City of Panaji in association with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL), launched the “Waste Wise” initiative today in the presence of Mrs. Alina Saldanha, Minister of Forests and Environment, Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, Commissioner (Corporation of The City Of Panaji), Mr. Kirit Maganlal, Managing Partner, Magsons Retail Stores and Mr. Durgesh Telang, Zonal Vice-President (Maharashtra & Goa) – Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd..
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has identified waste management as a problem to the city. As a first step, they introduced the ‘4-bin segregation system’ for households in which, they educate citizens to segregate recyclable & non-recyclable waste. The Panaji Corporation in collaboration with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages aims at taking this to the next level by introducing the ‘Waste Wise’ initiative.
Waste Wise aims to create awareness, habits and discipline amongst school children to help them become environmentally aware and responsible. A team comprising of teachers and student coordinators, will educate students about waste management and its advantages. 12 corporation schools within Panaji city have been identified where waste collection centers have been installed within/near school premises. A unique Waste Wise passbook will be distributed to students. This passbook is mainly a collection book for waste wise stamps that student can earn by bringing more waste to the collection center. Later, students can exchange/ redeem those stamps with attractive gifts like school bags, caps, pens etc.
Googum, the Waste Wise mascot was launched at the event. A especially created song composed by local musicians which will act as the anthem of the initiative was also showcased.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Alina Saldanha, Minister of Forests and Environment congratulated Corporation of the City of Panaji for taking the initiative in partnership with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages. She thanked the company for coming forward to support this kind of initiative.
Mr. Durgesh Telang, Zonal Vice President (Mumbai & Goa) – Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd., said, “I would like to congratulate the corporation of Panaji, participating schools and other stakeholders for this innovative initiative. Waste Wise aptly benefits all the stakeholders involved as the project will develop habit & discipline of cleanliness & waste management amongst students. Waste Wise is a good example of “Power of Partnership”. We believe that partners multiply strength.”
Mr. Kirit Maganlal, Managing Partner, Magsons Retail Stores and Vice President CII – Goa said, “Magsons and CCP share a common concern – the safety and well being of the community we live in. We identify areas where we can create a positive change which will benefit the people of Goa. We are pleased to partner with stakeholders of the Waste Wise initiative where we have come together for a shared cause.”
Added Richard Dias, Founding Partner, Radioactive, who conceptualized the Waste Wise project “We have always been committed to contributing towards the well being of the people of Goa. Being an integral part of the city of Panaji, we’ve kicked off the project in the city. However, we would like to take the project across to all parts of the state.
Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, Commissioner (Corporation of The City Of Panaji) also spoke on the occasion.