Without a functioning disposal system, waste becomes a long-term health problem. In the informal settlement surrounding the Penthakata school<\/a> in Puri, the waste disposal system currently has significant gaps. The growing settlement produces an estimated 10 tons of waste per day. The waste pollutes the streets, the beach, and the sea, and residues seep into the groundwater, posing a health risk. To improve the living conditions of the local population, Usthi launched a waste management project in collaboration with Eawag<\/a>, the aquatic research institute of ETH Zurich, which began with a pilot phase in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal of the project was to develop a functioning waste system together with the residents of the Penthakata settlement, and to provide residents with the knowledge and tools needed to operate it. An important pillar for the project’s long-term sustainability is therefore awareness-raising work. Teachers received training on integrating the topic of waste management into their lessons. Schoolchildren took part in waste collection campaigns, and a textbook on waste recycling and environmental responsibility was created, which is now being used in lessons at the Penthakata school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Um die umfassende Realisierung einer Entsorgungsstrategie zu gew\u00e4hrleisten, arbeitete Usthi mit der Eawag, der Stadtverwaltung von Puri sowie dem neugegr\u00fcndeten Abfallmanagement Komitee von Penthakata an der Weiterentwicklung des Abfall-Sammelkonzepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a success for Usthi that, after a successful setup and pilot phase, the project could be handed over to the City of Puri in February 2026. Going forward, the city will independently continue waste management across the entire Penthakata settlement. Usthi will continue to be committed to implementing this topic in lessons at all schools in Penthakata.<\/p>\n\n\nStrengthening Health and Education Holistically<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Handover to the City Administration<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n