Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation supported the deployment of public infrastructure made from recycled plastic during the Pandharpur Ashadhi Wari 2026, one of Maharashtra’s largest annual pilgrimages. The initiative was implemented in partnership with Econscious, Ecodeco – The Recycle Home Private Limited, Lakshya and bottler Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB). It supported pilgrims, volunteers and authorities while strengthening waste collection and disposal facilities along the pilgrimage route.
The programme was carried out under #MaidaanSaaf, Anandana’s flagship campaign focused on improving plastic waste collection, segregation and recycling at major cultural and sporting gatherings across India. With lakhs of Warkaris travelling in Dindis over several days, the initiative provided additional public amenities and waste management infrastructure at key points along the Wari route.
As part of the programme, 20 women-friendly changing rooms were installed along the riverbed for Warkaris. The facilities featured illustrated walls carrying messages on responsible waste disposal and recycling, combining public convenience with environmental awareness.
The initiative also included the installation of two police watch towers to assist authorities with crowd management. Nearly 2,000 waste bags were distributed for plastic waste collection, while 1,000 raincoats were provided to volunteers and police personnel supporting the pilgrimage. Additional dustbins and waste collection facilities were placed at key locations to encourage proper disposal.
Devyani RL Rana, Vice President – Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Coca-Cola India & Southwest Asia, said the Foundation believes that partnerships and community-focused solutions can create lasting impact. She said the Maidaan Saaf initiative at Pandharpur Wari combined public infrastructure with efforts to encourage responsible waste collection and recycling.
Himanshu Priyadarshi, Chief Public Affairs and Sustainability Officer, HCCB, said large gatherings such as the Pandharpur Wari provide an opportunity to promote environmental responsibility through collective participation. He added that converting collected recycled plastic into useful infrastructure demonstrates how waste can be given a productive second life.
Vaibhav Verma, Co-Founder, Econscious, said the infrastructure was designed to integrate waste management into areas used by pilgrims, volunteers and officials throughout the Wari. He added that visible and practical installations can encourage better waste handling practices. Through partnerships with local organisations and communities, Maidaan Saaf continues to develop waste management solutions for large public gatherings while promoting recycling and reuse.
Maidaan Saaf is a campaign by Coca-Cola India and Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation focused on responsible plastic waste collection, segregation and recycling at high-footfall cultural and sporting events. Launched during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023, the campaign has since been implemented during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, Rath Yatra in Puri and Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj.
Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, is focused on sustainable development and inclusive growth through programmes designed to support communities and improve quality of life. The Foundation works with NGOs, community organisations, cooperatives and other partners to implement social development initiatives across India.
