Clean Coonoor

In the area of drains and culverts, Clean Coonoor has made significant progress in ensuring efficient stormwater drainage systems. With a total of ten major culverts and three stormwater drains, the organisation has successfully addressed issues of blockage and neglect that posed risks such as flooding and landslides.

The Coonoor River, along with its feeders, has unfortunately become a receptacle for waste and sewage generated in the township. Clean Coonoor has taken proactive steps to restore the river, beginning with a 42-day cleanup of a kilometre-long stretch in the municipal market area, removing around 12,000 tonnes of debris. To prevent further pollution, a fence has been erected along a 398-meter stretch, thanks to the support of a Mumbai-based firm involved in corporate social responsibility.
Clean Coonoor has also successfully cleaned the upper stream of the river, removing approximately 5,000 tonnes of debris and improving the flow. The organisation plans to continue its efforts with a manual cleanup of the downstream area between the Coonoor Bridge and Kanni Mariamman Kovil. Additionally, Clean Coonoor is actively collaborating with municipal authorities to find solutions to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the river.

Clean Coonoor is actively engaged in eco-restoration initiatives to address the degradation of marshlands and streams in Coonoor. It is restoring a marshland near Yedapalli by removing exotic vegetation, planting native grasses, and facilitating the return of wetland species. This restoration project aims to provide an alternative water source and mitigate water scarcity issues. Clean Coonoor has also reclaimed a landfill at the Ottupattarai Waste Management Park with native vegetation. Its efforts are focused on reversing the damage caused by mismanagement and promoting the ecological health of the region.

Clean Coonoor values the preservation of cultural heritage and organises activities such as discourses, symposia, and heritage walks to promote a sense of pride and responsibility towards the town's landmarks and traditions. It has hosted notable speakers and established a unique Heritage Gallery in collaboration with the Coonoor Municipality. The gallery showcases the town's evolution and features a collection of historical artefacts, maps, sketches, and photographs that provide insights into Coonoor's rich heritage.

Clean Coonoor is committed to solid waste management and has successfully transformed the Municipal Dump Yard into a Waste Management Park. The park features landscaped areas and is equipped with facilities such as a baler, incinerator, waste shredding machine, and compost bin to handle different types of waste. The facility has handled around 2,000 tonnes of waste, recovered recyclable materials, and follows environmentally responsible practices. Clean Coonoor's efforts have been recognized by authorities and serve as a model for waste management organisations. It has also extended its waste management initiatives to rural areas, establishing units to cater to local populations and promote cleanliness.