TERI’s Western Regional Centre (WRC) in Mumbai has excelled in research on environmental monitoring, nutrition security, livelihood, and sustainable communities. The centre has effectively implemented multidisciplinary projects, building a robust network of stakeholders through collaborations with government agencies, corporations, and bilateral organizations. Additionally, WRC has executed numerous mutually beneficial Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and consultancy projects at regional, national, and international levels. Committed to a holistic approach, the centre promotes sustainable technologies and engages local communities to maximize its impact on the environment and society.
Environment Sustainability and Resource Management
The centre mainly focuses on the mapping of anthropogenic pressures and their impact on the environment. It is involved in projects related to environmental monitoring & reporting, waste management and resource mapping. The group collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government bodies (such as Urban Local Bodies and State Pollution Control Boards), industries, and various corporate sectors. By combining rigorous research with stakeholder engagement, the centre aims to develop effective strategies for mitigating environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices.
Nutrition Security
The centre is dedicated to mitigating malnutrition through various initiatives that enhance nutritional security for stakeholders. The team has successfully conceptualized and implemented projects across fields such as nutrition, energy, climate change, environment, bioprospecting, sustainable communities, and livelihoods, engaging both rural and urban communities.
In the urban sector, the centre launched an extensive campaign to promote healthy and nutritious eating habits among adolescents and youth to prevent lifestyle disorders like diabetes. A notable initiative, “Canteen for Teen” was implemented under the eco-city project in collaboration with educational institutes. In rural Maharashtra, particularly in Palghar district, the centre has worked for over a decade on interventions aimed at addressing factors that negatively impact nutrition security.
Plastic Waste Management
Plastic pollution poses a significant global threat due to its severe impacts on health and the environment. While plastic is integral to many modern applications, such as in automobiles, electronics, and medical equipment, it is crucial to address the issue of plastic waste entering marine environments. This requires assessing the types and quantities of plastic waste in water bodies, which can also provide insights into consumer behaviour regarding plastic waste management. TERI Mumbai has undertaken various projects focused on managing plastic waste in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) through technology interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and awareness programs fostering a more sustainable environment for the region.