Elephanta Island debuts waste recovery center and biodiversity book on June 1
Elephanta Island is set to open its first waste management centre on June 1. The facility, known as the Solid Waste Material Recovery Facility (MRF), will tackle the island’s growing waste challenges. Alongside the launch, a new book documenting the island’s biodiversity will also be unveiled.
The project is a joint effort by Waste Matters Foundation, Healing Himalayas, and Ek Saath Foundation. Environmental conservationist Sanjiv Valsan will lead the inauguration and co-authored the upcoming publication. The new MRF centre aims to improve waste handling on Elephanta Island. It will provide a structured system for collecting, sorting, storing, and recycling dry waste. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island faces significant waste management issues, even with nearly 70% forest cover.
The book, Biodiversity of Elephanta Island, marks the first detailed survey of the island’s natural heritage. Authored by Sanjiv Valsan and ethnobotanist Dr. Pratiksha Patel, it combines scientific research with photo documentation. The publication highlights the island’s unique ecosystems, environmental threats, and conservation needs.
The project seeks to raise awareness and support long-term protection efforts. Both the MRF centre and the book are part of broader initiatives to preserve Elephanta Island’s fragile environment. The inauguration on June 1 will introduce a new waste recovery system and a scientific guide to the island’s biodiversity. The MRF centre will handle dry waste more efficiently, while the book provides a foundation for future conservation work. Together, these efforts aim to safeguard Elephanta Island’s natural and cultural heritage.
