About CASC
Through the Clean Air Sustainable Cities (CASC) program, SwitchON aspires to combat air pollution and address the challenges of climate change by implementing effective strategies.
SwitchON has established the West Bengal Chapter for Clean Air Network (WB-CAN), Jharkhand Clean Air Network (J-CAN) and Odisha Clean Air Network (O-CAN) encompassing the non-attainment cities and other polluted cities.
We work with prominent partners like WWF, Greenpeace, Earth Day Network etc. to create awareness amongst children, youth and civil society to tackle and take positive action for clean air.
Key Initiatives
Air Pollution & Climate Action Stewardship
SwitchON Foundation is committed to empower children and youth to tackle air pollution and climate change.
01. Inter-School Clean Air Championship Program
An annual flagship program that educates and trains children on the impact of air pollution through projects, workshops, training, micro-projects, competitions thereby sensitizing them to adopt sustainable behavioral practices.
02. Air Quality Monitor
Real time air quality monitors are set up in schools across most polluted or non-attainment cities where students are trained on how to use the ambient air quality data from these monitors and prepare reports and spread awareness amongst their campus and community and take positive action through the school academic year.
03. Learning Management System
An online learning management platform called EnvirON provides a unique learning experience by offering online courses on topics related to air pollution, climate change, global warming etc. The objective behind providing open access to courses is to create knowledge based information amongst the young minds and encourage behavioral changes creating crusaders of climate change.
Air Pollution : Health Emergency
It is of paramount importance to make citizens aware about the health impact and the health risks associated with air pollution.
01. Medical Students Ambassador Program
The Medical Students Ambassador program aims to develop a strong network of medical professionals who encourage community advocacy for sustainable development with their informed knowledge of the detrimental effects of pollution on human health through
02. Children and Clean Air
This initiative strives to make the children aware of the impact of air pollution through awareness sessions, training, sensitization campaigns, workshops and by creating conversations around their right to breathe clean air.
03. Clean Air Doctor’s Forum
Clean Air Doctors’ Forum brings together doctors and specialists like pulmonologists, pediatricians, oncologists etc. from leading hospitals to collaborate on the health and well being aspect of the community on air pollution. It enables the exchange of knowledge on the direct health impacts of air pollution raising awareness amongst both health care providers and the general public.
Clean Air & Climate Resilient Cities
Through Clean air and climate resilient cities, we aim to create cities that are healthier, safer, and better equipped to face the challenges of a changing climate while providing a sustainable life for its
01. Clean Air CSO Network
The Clean Air Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Network is a network of national and regional organizations, trusts, clubs and volunteer groups. Through this forum, we aim to create a mechanism which will be a coalition of empowered local power structures, influencers, and community leaders to tackle the issue of air pollution.
Sustainable Mobility
Sustainable mobility is the cornerstone of a greener future for transportation. It embodies a holistic approach to mobility by emphasizing environmental stewardship
01. Non-motorized Transportation (NMT)
Through NMTs, we aim to raise awareness amongst masses of the value and benefits of sustainable transportation by promoting green modes of transportation including bicycles, green walks and celebrating events to promote green commute.
02. Public Transport and Electric Vehicles
For sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, we spread awareness on public transportation including buses, trams, and metro trains which reduces traffic congestion and lowers emission. When coupled with EVs, this synergy becomes more impactful.
Mitigating Industrial Pollution
We strive to build awareness on using eco-friendly technologies and renewable energy sources so that the industries can significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
01. Green Steel:
Promotion of green steel through citizen engagement, multi stakeholder meetings, awareness, webinars and workshops for a sustainable and environmentally responsible steel sector with positive implications on the planet.
Green Bengal Innovation Network
Green Bengal Innovation Network supports, promotes and scales green startups and MSMEs of West Bengal and strengthens the sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem of the state. It is a network of academia, industry, incubators, impact investors and entrepreneurs working towards making Bengal a green economy.
01. The Greenovation Club
A 1 year programme to build awareness and inspire action in colleges and universities, engaging students in ideating green business solutions and driving sustainable practices on campus.
02. Green Enterprise Fellowship
Connecting budding young entrepreneurs, changemakers and startups/businesses through 1 year experiential learning.
03. Student-Startup-Industry Internship
Short term exposure programme enabling students to work with real life green entrepreneurs and business entities.
04. Short Term Research Projects
Funded research projects led by student and faculty groups on new green technologies and business solutions.
05. Green Entrepreneurs Forum
Collectivizing green entrepreneurs and startups to build capacities, provide access to markets & funds, enhance visibility, reward and recognition.
06. Incubator Programme/Green Bengal Innovation Contest
Providing seed grant fund capital, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities to existing early stage green entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
07. Annual Symposium fostering Collaboration
A conglomerate event to bring together youth, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, industry, government to celebrate climate action and build a pathway to a sustainable future.
Key Partners
Success Stories
Sadanand Dih, Sarwan, Deoghar
“Savita and her family had been using diesel pumps for the past 5 years and electric pumps for the last 2 years to carry out irrigation. However, they encountered several difficulties while using both electric pump and diesel pump. She received solar pump from JREDA under the PM KUSUM scheme, with 90% subsidy (from central and state government) and 10% self-financing with which Savita has been irrigating her fields.”
“This independence has increased my decision-making authority in the household. With Solar Usage, My Sons Can Now Get Educated and Take White Collar Jobs”
Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
“We got an alternative way of earning for women in our village. Now we are able to earn something which helps us to cover our children’s education & small savings for the future.”
🗒 Local cashew farmers at Garbeta found a better way to earn for their livelihood
Debra, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
“After installing solar pumps I can support a few farmers with excess amount of water as well. Electricity bills have been reduced by almost 70%.”
🗒 Organic farming with solar pumps, drip irrigation can be profitable & sustainable.