About Bharat Clean Rivers Foundation

River cleanup

Bharat Clean Rivers Foundation

Bharat Clean Rivers Foundation – an initiative by West Coast Marine Yacht Services and DialESG. On a mission to rid India's rivers of plastic in a partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. The focus is to start with Maharashtra which according to The Ocean Cleanup's research is home to 47 of the 1,000 most polluted rivers globally – of which 13 are in Mumbai.

Our Vision

To tackle plastic pollution in India's rivers and coastlines – starting with Mumbai. We envision a future where India's rivers flow clean and free of plastic pollution, supporting healthy ecosystems and communities.

Our Mission

To rid India's rivers of plastic through innovative cleanup technologies, community engagement, and policy advocacy. We work to implement sustainable solutions that address the root causes of river pollution while cleaning up existing waste.

The Problem We're Addressing

1,000+
Most polluted rivers globally
47
Of these rivers are in Maharashtra
13
Heavily polluted rivers in Mumbai alone
80%
Of ocean plastic comes from rivers

Plastic pollution in rivers is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Rivers carry plastic waste from inland areas to the ocean, where it harms marine life and ecosystems. In India, rapid urbanization, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and low awareness about plastic pollution have led to severe contamination of our waterways.

The Mithi River in Mumbai, once a thriving ecosystem, is now one of the most polluted rivers in India. Similar situations exist across the country, threatening water security, public health, and biodiversity.

Our Approach

Cleanup Technology

Deploying innovative technologies like river interceptors in partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to capture plastic waste before it reaches the ocean.

Community Engagement

Working with local communities, schools, and colleges to raise awareness and promote responsible waste management practices.

Our Partners

Regional Partners

  • Maharashtra Department of Environment & Climate Change
  • Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
  • Maharashtra Maritime Board
  • TERI Energy & Resources Institute
  • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Local Partners

  • Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
  • Thane Municipal Corporation
  • Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation

International Partners

  • The Ocean Cleanup
  • Consulate of the Kingdom of Netherlands in India

Our Team

Founding Team

Shailesh Haribhakti

Shailesh Haribhakti

Co-Founder and Chairman

Aashim Mongia

Aashim Mongia

Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman

Bharati Mongia

Bharati Mongia

Co-Founder

Jitendra Rami

Jitendra Rami

Co-Founder and Director

Suyash Agrawal

Suyash Agrawal

Co-Founder and Director

Join Our Movement

Be part of the solution to plastic pollution in India's rivers. Support our work through The Clean Water Challenge.

Register for TCWC

Competition Categories

Fine Art

Fine Art

"The Color of Tomorrow is Blue"

Explore how water shapes our future—economically, environmentally, and emotionally. What would a world built on sustainability and the Blue Economy look like? How can innovation and human creativity restore balance to our water systems?

Literary Art

Literary Art

"To Water, With Love"

A heartfelt ode to the lifeblood of our planet, this poem reflects on humanity's deep connection with water—its past and present, and the hope for a clean, thriving blue future. Express as both a love letter and a plea, urging us to cherish, protect, and restore the oceans, rivers, and lakes that sustain life.

Essay Writing

Essay Writing

"From the Plastic Present to a Blue Future"

How shifting to a circular economy and innovation can transform plastic pollution into economic opportunity.