In the heart of Jamshedpur, where rivers meander through the city’s industrial buzz, an ex-engineer found inspiration in something most people throw away: water hyacinth. Meet Gaurav Anand, the founder of Swachhta Pukaare Foundation, who turned this aquatic weed into a flourishing enterprise worth over ₹1.2 crore annually.
The Unlikely Start of a Green Revolution
Gaurav’s journey didn’t begin in a boardroom or a startup incubator—it began in muddy waters. Formerly an engineer with JUSCO (a Tata Steel subsidiary), Gaurav spent his Sundays volunteering for river clean-up drives. It was during one of these drives that he noticed a recurring nuisance: jal kumbhi or water hyacinth. While most considered it an invasive plant choking river ecosystems, Gaurav saw untapped potential.
Leaving the 9-to-5 for a Mission
In 2022, after 16 stable years in his job, Gaurav Anand took a bold leap, quitting to launch the Swachhta Pukaare Foundation not just a business but a social movement to prove that even “waste” holds value and dignity.
Using traditional handcrafting techniques, Gaurav and his team started converting water hyacinth into eco-friendly products like sarees, mats, paper, and other artisanal goods. What began as an experiment with fibers quickly evolved into a full-fledged green business, generating jobs and cleaning rivers simultaneously.
Turning Trash into Triumph
The genius of Gaurav’s model is its simplicity and sustainability. Water hyacinth is readily available, free to source, and a nuisance in aquatic life. By harvesting water hyacinth, Swachhta Pukaare Foundation is not only providing clean local water bodies but generating livelihood opportunities—particularly for marginalized communities and women.
In less than 3 years, the venture has achieved an annual turnover of ₹1.2 crore, demonstrating that impact and profit can go hand in hand.Impact Beyond Profit
Gaurav’s business isn’t simply about green products it’s about transforming attitudes. Through the foundation, he teaches people how to see waste as an asset and teaches them the skills to convert trash into profitable crafts.
“People saw trash; I saw a thread of opportunity,” says Gaurav, summing up his vision. Today, he’s not only empowering people but also setting a new benchmark for social entrepreneurship in India.
From engineering offices to eco-entrepreneurship, Gaurav Anand’s journey is a testament to India’s growing sustainable startup culture. With Swachhta Pukaare Foundation, he’s not just cleaning rivers—he’s cleansing our perception of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
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