Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The 14th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon turned into a landmark for sustainability, achieving its ambitious goal of “Zero Waste to Landfills.” For the first time, ragpickers and GHMC’s Safai Saathis worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the sustainability team to ensure no trace of waste was left behind.

At the start line in People’s Plaza, 10 ragpickers managed waste segregation, while at the finish line in Gachibowli Stadium, 60 Safai Saathis, supported by Dr. Srikanth Reddy, AMOH, Serilingampally Circle, and the Marathon’s sustainability team, ensured systematic segregation. Wet waste was channelled into composting and dry waste into recycling, resulting in 3.7 tons of waste being meticulously handled.

Race Director Rajesh Vetcha, alongside sustainability champions Venkat Ankam and VISVA Sustainable Foundation, led the collaboration. Vetcha said the initiative was about breaking social barriers and recognising those who safeguard the city daily. Dr. Reddy called the effort a true legacy, noting that the city was left spotless. Venkat Ankam stressed that recognising ragpickers and Safai Saathis was justice, not charity.

By honouring sanitation workers as “Green Heroes,” the marathon set a precedent in valuing dignity and inclusion. Aligning with the World Athletics “Athletics for a Better World” standard, the event eliminated single-use plastics, offered plastic-free breakfasts, reduced tee-shirts by 30%, promoted low-carbon transport, upcycled banners, engaged specially abled citizens, ensured AQI monitoring, and introduced sustainable trophies. The Hyderabad Marathon thus emerged as a global benchmark for sustainable sporting events.