Photo Credit: The Better India
In a remarkable example of grassroots activism, Navjivan Vihar, a modest residential colony in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, has emerged as the capital’s first officially recognised zero-waste colony. At the heart of this transformation is Dr. Ruby Makhija, an ophthalmologist-turned-environmental crusader, whose efforts have helped turn the colony into a shining beacon of sustainable living.
A Doctor’s Vision for a Cleaner Delhi
When Dr. Ruby Makhija first stepped into her role as the RWA secretary in 2017, she saw waste not just as an eyesore, but as a serious public health hazard. With overflowing landfills in Delhi and frequent complaints about garbage mismanagement, she knew the problem needed to be tackled at the source – inside people’s homes.
Armed with a medical background and a deep concern for the environment, Dr. Makhija began raising awareness among residents about waste segregation and composting, encouraging them to think of garbage as a resource rather than refuse.
From Waste Chaos to Zero Waste
The residents of Navjivan Vihar soon began segregating their waste into three categories – wet, dry, and hazardous. Over 125 kg of wet waste is now processed daily in compost pits within the colony itself. The compost is used to nourish community gardens, closing the loop from waste to greenery.
Dry waste, such as plastic and paper, is handed over to authorised recyclers. Additionally, the colony has set up a Triple-R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centre, where residents can donate old clothes, furniture, utensils, and books. These items are then redistributed to underprivileged communities.
Today, this 280-household colony generates zero waste for landfills, a rare feat in a city of nearly 20 million people.
Navigating Challenges with Empathy and Persistence
The journey was not without obstacles. Initially, there was resistance from some residents and domestic workers who feared the added burden of segregating waste. Concerns about hygiene, pests, and extra work were common.
Dr. Makhija and her team tackled this with door-to-door campaigns, composting demonstrations, distribution of eco-friendly bins, and constant engagement. “People need to see results to believe in a cause,” she said during one of the colony’s awareness drives.
Beyond Waste: Water and Plastic Management
Once the waste management system stabilised, Navjivan Vihar expanded its sustainability goals. Tap aerators were installed to conserve water. Rainwater harvesting systems were revived. Single-use plastics were banned, and residents were encouraged to adopt alternatives like cloth bags and biodegradable packaging.
A community fridge initiative was also started to tackle food wastage. Residents with surplus cooked meals or groceries could leave them in the fridge for those in need, promoting both sustainability and compassion.
Recognition and Ripple Effect
In 2020, the Delhi government officially declared Navjivan Vihar as the capital’s first zero-waste colony, a title that drew national attention. Since then, over 100 RWAs and residential colonies across Delhi and neighbouring cities have reached out to replicate the model.
Dr. Makhija has been invited to share her experience at municipal summits, sustainability panels, and citizen forums. The Delhi government is now reportedly working to scale this initiative to at least 200 more colonies by 2027.
A Prescription for Urban Sustainability
While Dr. Ruby Makhija continues to serve as a practising doctor, her contribution to environmental change has positioned her as one of Delhi’s most inspiring urban changemakers. Her story proves that the shift towards sustainable living doesn’t always start with government policy – it often begins with individuals willing to roll up their sleeves and lead by example.
Navjivan Vihar today stands not just as Delhi’s first zero-waste colony, but as a living blueprint for urban communities across India seeking sustainable solutions. It is a reminder that real change begins when residents take ownership of their neighbourhoods – and believe in the power of one.
