Solid waste management
Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra
ठेवू दूरदृष्टी रक्षू निसर्ग सृष्टी
ठेवू दूरदृष्टी रक्षू निसर्ग सृष्टी
Kartavya is a compassionate community-support initiative by Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM), running actively in Chiplun. SNM has been working since 1992 across multiple sectors including conservation, health, education, culture, social support, women empowerment, and livelihood development.
Over the years, SNM has successfully implemented projects related to marine turtle and bird protection, pangolin conservation, eye donation promotion, body donation awareness, and has contributed significantly to medical and civic responsibilities.
Since 2020, the organization has also managed plastic waste collection and disposal in Chiplun and surrounding villages, with over 130 tons successfully processed, along with facilitating 35 real eye donations and 26 real body donations. Building upon this strong foundation of service, SNM launched the Kartavya project to specifically support senior citizens.
Even when living independently in their own homes, senior citizens frequently face uncertainty during sudden illnesses or emergencies, unsure whether immediate help will be available. Although friends or relatives may exist nearby, availability at the right moment cannot always be guaranteed. This creates worry, insecurity, and emotional stress for those living alone.
To address these very real challenges,
SNM introduced:
An initiative which is completely free. It is community emergency-support service for senior citizens who live alone or as a couple in Chiplun.
The core purpose of this project is to create a reliable safety network, ensure timely assistance, and support both physical and emotional well-being. A preliminary household survey was conducted, covering over 250 residences.
and four have already received assistance during medical emergencies.
Many elderly people find it difficult to step out of their homes due to health issues, reduced mobility, or fear of accidents. Over time, this leads to isolation and a feeling of loneliness as they remain confined indoors. To bring joy, companionship, and renewed confidence into their lives, we organize small nearby trips specially designed for senior citizens. These outings are planned with their comfort and safety in mind, ensuring slow-paced travel, convenient seating, accessible locations, and the supportive presence of volunteers. Through these thoughtfully arranged trips, we help them reconnect with the world around them and enjoy meaningful social interactions.
The Kartavya program is implemented through a structured and sensitive set of actions:
SNM volunteers reach out to senior citizens through home visits, informational sessions, and community interactions. They are informed about Kartavya and invited to enroll as beneficiaries, ensuring that no one is left unsupported when help is needed.
Once every month, a trained nurse & volunteers visits beneficiaries for general health check-ups at no cost. The team also accompanies members to clinics or hospitals when needed. This proactive approach ensures medical needs are not neglected due to mobility or confidence issues.
All operations are run by SNM staff members and dedicated community volunteers. Travel reimbursements are provided for volunteers so that service remains financially sustainable and accessible without burdening them.
Each registered member’s details are securely digitized. This enables quick access during emergencies and allows regular monitoring of their well-being. Efficient data management ensures faster response times and appropriate follow-up.
During unexpected medical crises, Kartavya volunteers provide free manpower support, including transportation to hospitals, initial assistance, and contacting family members if they are not locally present. The emphasis is on sensitivity, speed, and reliability.
