The Ocean Cleanup Set to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Mumbai

The Ocean Cleanup, the global non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, will deploy its innovative technologies in Mumbai, one of the world’s most plastic-polluting urban catchments.

Mumbai has been identified as one of 30 critical urban centres worldwide that together account for nearly one-third of global river-based plastic emissions into the ocean.

The Ocean Cleanup started its survey last year to build a comprehensive overview of river pollution in the city, enabling a tailored solution using a range of technologies, including drones, AI-enhanced remote-sensing cameras, GPS drifters, and global data registries.

The survey found that the metropolitan region discharges an estimated 5 million kilograms of plastic waste into the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean each year.

Mumbai’s plastic pollution causes direct and severe impacts along 220 km of coastline, 152 sq km of mangroves, 107 protected species, and nearly 1.9 million livelihoods dependent on coastal and marine ecosystems.

As part of the cleanup effort, The Ocean Cleanup will deploy barriers to stop the flow of plastic, marking a major milestone in India’s role in the global fight against plastic pollution.

The first deployments will focus on the Trombay and Malad waterways, identified through the data-driven analysis as significant contributors to ocean-bound plastic waste.

The technology is scheduled for deployment in 2026. Once operational, these initial systems are expected to recover 61-92 tonnes of plastic per year. 

India has emerged as a strategic priority for the organisation due to the disproportionate impact a small number of rivers have on ocean plastic pollution.

According to the research by The Ocean Cleanup, just 1,000 of the world’s three million rivers are responsible for nearly 80% of plastic emissions into the ocean.

Through the 30 Cities Program, The Ocean Cleanup aims to reduce one-third of global river-based plastic emissions by leveraging its comprehensive strategy and proven technologies to target 30 of the most polluted urban waterways worldwide.

Mumbai is a critical intervention point given the scale of plastic leakage and its impact on local communities and ecosystems.

Commenting on the launch, Boyan Slat, Founder & CEO, The Ocean Cleanup, said, “India is a critical geography in the global fight against plastic pollution. With such a large proportion of plastic on India’s coasts, stopping waste before it reaches the ocean is crucial in safeguarding the ocean against plastic pollution.”

Boyan Slat added, “Through our 30 Cities Program, Mumbai has been identified as a priority intervention point, and by working closely with local government bodies, implementation partners, NGOs, and community partners, we aim to deploy solutions that are not only effective but also deeply aligned with local needs and long-term development goals.”

The deployments will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board to ensure alignment with municipal priorities, waste management systems, and long-term sustainability goals.

The Mumbai deployments mark more than a city-level intervention; it signals India’s growing leadership in the global fight against plastic pollution.

As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and home to some of the most plastic-impacted waterways, India’s participation is critical to achieving meaningful, global environmental outcomes.

By combining advanced, data-led technology with on-ground partnerships and community engagement, The Ocean Cleanup’s entry into India demonstrates how targeted action in high-impact geographies can deliver scalable, measurable results.

The Mumbai deployments are expected to serve as a blueprint for future interventions across Indian cities, reinforcing the country’s role as a key driver of global solutions to one of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.