AT Capital Foundation and Ocean Cleanup partner to restore Thane Creek with €1.5 Million pledge

Mumbai: AT Capital Foundation Limited (ATCF), the philanthropic arm of Singapore-headquartered AT Capital Group, has announced a major five-year partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to tackle plastic pollution in Thane Creek, Mumbai. The Foundation will contribute €1.5 million toward a comprehensive cleanup project at one of the creek’s key tributaries.

The initiative is set to intercept approximately 385 tonnes of waste annually, using advanced technologies developed by The Ocean Cleanup, a global non-profit organization focused on removing plastic from the world’s oceans and rivers.

The project will feature a combination of Interceptor™ systems, a walkable log-boom, Interceptor Guard booms for improved retention, and a Direct-to-Shore conveyor system. Waste management will be carried out in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Thane Creek, a designated Key Biodiversity Area, is home to Maharashtra’s second-largest marine sanctuary. It supports rich mangrove forests and a variety of waterbird species. The cleanup aims to restore the creek’s ecosystem and preserve its ecological value for future generations.

Arvind Tiku, founder of AT Capital Group, highlighted the importance of the project and said, “We are thrilled to support this long-term effort to revitalise Thane Creek. It reflects our global commitment to sustainability, health, and education. With The Ocean Cleanup, we aim to make a measurable difference in reducing plastic at the source.”

The initiative is part of The Ocean Cleanup’s global 30 Cities Program, which aims to stop up to one-third of plastic entering oceans from rivers by 2030. Mumbai’s waterways have already been mapped, and initial deployment preparations are underway.

Nisha Bakker, Director of Partnerships at The Ocean Cleanup, welcomed the support, “AT Capital’s contribution is pivotal to our mission in Mumbai. This collaboration enables real progress towards cleaner rivers and oceans, healthier ecosystems, and empowered local communities.”

The initiative will also focus on community support, particularly the indigenous Koli fishing community, through education, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood programs. Project management will be led by AT Capital’s real estate portfolio company, Experion Developers