2017 ICT4D Conference

In 2016, Jhatkaa.org ran a campaign in Bangalore to stop burning of garbage. We built a simple tool whereby users could take a photo whenever they saw burning garbage on the streets, and WhatsApp it to a number. The images were then plotted on a map online and could be viewed as a layer on a user's mobile Google Maps as well.

With this evidence we got the Joint Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) of the BBMP (Bangalore's Municipal Authority), to issue a notification detailing fines for burning of garbage.

We then continued to engage citizens to keep up reporting, providing them with a tool to find their local BBMP officer's details. Proactive citizens started to use the tool to reach out their local level officials and engage them. We have started seeing initial reports of reduction in garbage burning, and clean-up in some areas of the city.

In 2017 we plan to disseminate these tools more widely and get people more involved in using ICTs to hold municipal authorities accountable. We also plan to work on other aspects of clean air like vehicular pollution, energy sources etc.

Over 2017 we also plan to partner with other organisations, and train them with the tools and technology to run clean air campaigns across India.

You can read more about Jhatkaa.org here https://jhatkaa.org/about-jhatkaa/