We are incredibly proud to celebrate a major achievement by two of our own!
Changeloomers Rajeshwar and Rubaan’s “Beat Plastic Pollution” project has been honored with the prestigious Tamil Nadu Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Waterbody Conservator Award for their innovative trash boom solution!
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, where rivers are the lifelines for entire communities, Rajeshwar and Rubaan saw more than just water; they saw precious ecosystems that needed protection. Their journey began with a simple but powerful goal: to stop plastic waste from ever reaching our ponds and water systems using floating barriers known as trash booms.
These barriers have been remarkably effective, capturing plastic waste before it can pollute drinking water or endanger aquatic life. The design’s brilliance lies in its two-part system: an upstream boom catches most of the debris, while a downstream boom acts as a final safeguard, ensuring nothing gets through, even during heavy floods.
This initiative perfectly complements the Tamil Nadu government’s own conservation efforts, including the ambitious ₹1,675 crore Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission, which aims to rejuvenate biodiversity along a 1,076 km coastline.
Their award is a testament to what can happen when passionate young changemakers get the right support and mentorship. The Changeloomer fellowship was a turning point for them, providing crucial skills to turn their vision into a real-world impact.
Here’s what they learned on their journey:
- Building from the Ground Up: They shared that before the fellowship, they had little idea how an NGO even worked. The experience taught them the fundamentals of running an organization, from crafting impactful project presentations to writing proposals and managing budgets.
- The Power of Community: They found immense inspiration in being part of a community of dedicated changemakers. Learning about their grassroots work gave them the motivation to grow their own project and do more.
- Expanding His Expertise: The fellowship allowed for an exploration of key areas like climate change, carbon capture, and renewable energy. As an electrical engineering graduate, Rajeshwar was especially grateful for the hands-on opportunity to provide solar lighting solutions for underprivileged communities that lacked reliable electricity.
Since its inception four years ago, the Changelooms program has nurtured over 75 young leaders across India, fostering an ecosystem where innovative climate solutions can thrive.
To every aspiring environmental changemaker out there, remember: your ideas are valuable, your passion is essential, and your actions can create a legacy of positive change.
Join us in building climate-positive communities across India!
#Changelooms #EnvironmentalConservation #YouthLeadership #ClimateAction #TamilNadu #WaterConservation #Commutiny