Calcutta Rescue's Unique Project: Vermicomposting

Surging populations, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for sustenance, have led to the generation of huge quantities of waste, resulting in overflowing landfills globally. In the slums of developing countries like India, this challenge is even more pronounced.

Urban slums are typically characterised by a high density of low-income earners and unemployed populations, combined with poor infrastructure and unhygienic conditions. Project KIRAN, a CSR initiative by Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) Ltd., addresses this issue locally. The ‘Metro Colony’ slum in Dakshineswar is one such area where Calcutta Rescue, with CESC’s support, is implementing a small-scale vermicompost plant. This initiative prevents biodegradable waste from reaching landfills, reduces the carbon footprint, and generates sustainable income for slum residents.

Dedicated individuals, including two women and one man, lead the compost project, with additional support from women in the Self-Help Group (SHG). This initiative has sparked positive change among the women in the slum community.

To sustain the project, a Self-Help Group (SHG) was formed with proactive women. Workshops and sessions were conducted to help them understand the necessity of the solid waste management project, and how to segregate wastes in the slum from both hygiene and income generation perspectives.

Several group members have already taken the initiative to sell compost packets each month. Jyotsna sold 25 kg through her connections, and Mangala, a domestic

worker, sold 15 kg from her network. This project has not only improved their community's engagement but also brought people together.

With the guidance and support of Calcutta Rescue, Manika, Sadhan Rajbangshi, and Jharna Das, residents of Dakshineswar slum, actively manage the vermicompost work.

Manika, a worker in the compost project and an active SHG member, shared her transformative experience with Calcutta Rescue, saying, "We aimed to improve our financial stability for a hassle-free life, and Calcutta Rescue provided us with that opportunity. I'm supporting my family with the income from this vermicompost project." Her husband Sadhan also works on the compost project. They have a son who is a daily labourer, earning intermittently. A family of five, including her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Manika manages both her work and household effectively.

Jharna Das, another member of the vermicompost unit, lives with her husband, daughter, and grandson. Her husband's work as a daily labourer was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jharna's unwavering commitment to the compost project earned her a spot as a worker through her active participation in SHG discussions. She echoed the same enthusiasm as her colleague.

Since the beginning of the project:

• Waste collected: 25 tonnes
• Vermicompost converted: 2 tonnes of high-quality compost
• Profit generated: 30,000 rupees

In mid-2024, due to increased demand for the compost, Calcutta Rescue and CESC collaboratively expanded the project. Initially, there were only two pits; now, six new pits have been built, making a total of eight pits.

This vermicomposting project not only addresses waste management and environmental sustainability but also empowers the community, creating economic opportunities and fostering a sense of unity.