News By Asish Basak
Maddox Square Takes a Step Towards a Zero-Waste Community**Kolkata |
17 October 2026**On Saptami afternoon, 17 October 2026, Maddox Square, one of Kolkata’s most popular Durga Puja destinations, witnessed enthusiastic participation in Rotary’s *
*Clean Green Kolkata Puja Initiative**, a community-driven campaign promoting environmental awareness and responsible waste management during the city’s biggest cultural celebration.The initiative brought together Rotary leaders, Puja Committee representatives, students, bloggers and young volunteers to highlight the importance of making Durga Puja celebrations cleaner, greener and more sustainable.The campaign was a joint initiative of the **Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro South, Rotary Club of Calcutta Renaissance and Rotary Club of Calcutta Millennium**, with prominent Rotarians from various clubs across the District extending their support through their participation.Rotary volunteers, wearing campaign T-shirts, gathered at Maddox Square to spread the message of environmental responsibility. Students from **La Martiniere for Girls, Kolkata, and Queen of Peace Church**, along with young bloggers, added enthusiasm and a strong youth presence to the initiative.
**Shekhar Mehta, former President of Rotary International and Chief Guest**, visited the Durga Puja pandal, offered prayers to the deity and shared his thoughts on the campaign, lending his support to the cause of environmental awareness. **District Governor Nominee Brotindro Mullick** was also present and shared his views on the initiative.Representatives of the Maddox Square Puja Committee, **Kalyan Dhaal and Animesh Chattopadhyay**, expressed their wholehearted support, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between community organisations and Puja committees in creating a cleaner and greener Kolkata.
The initiative’s think tank included **Rotarian Rajashree Guha of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro South and Rotarian Soumeyendu Ganguli of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Renaissance**, along with other prominent Rotary members. **Rtn. Sabyasachi Hajara, Past President of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Metro South, and Rtn. Sunita Shah of the Rotary Club of Calcutta Millennium** also shared their perspectives on the campaign.Prominent social influencer **Imran Zaki** participated in the programme and shared his thoughts on the importance of public engagement and collective responsibility in driving environmental change.A dedicated awareness stall served as a focal point for interaction, bringing senior Rotarians and young volunteers together to communicate the campaign’s message. Gifts for participating children were sponsored by **Rotary Calcutta Mega City**, adding a gesture of encouragement for the younger generation.
At the heart of the initiative lies a simple yet significant principle: **waste segregation must begin at the source**. Durga Puja generates substantial quantities of floral offerings and other biodegradable waste. Through proper collection, segregation and processing, these offerings can be given a new purpose by being converted into useful products such as compost and incense, instead of entering water bodies, drains or mixed municipal waste streams.The campaign emphasises that keeping Kolkata clean and green cannot be the responsibility of any single organisation. It requires the active participation of Puja committees, citizens, community organisations, volunteers and, importantly, the next generation.
The Saptami initiative at Maddox Square marked a meaningful stepping stone towards building a **zero-waste community**, demonstrating how Kolkata’s cherished cultural celebrations can become powerful platforms for environmental awareness, responsible citizenship and positive social change.**CLEAN GREEN KOLKATA PUJA****Let Segregation Start at the Source. Let Us Create an Everlasting Impact.**
