In 1998, eight determined women in Bandra’s Pali Hill neighbourhood refused to stay silent as their area was plagued by illegal bootlegging, drug peddling, overflowing trash, unruly roads, and burglaries. Fueled by a vision for cleanliness and safety, they founded the Pali Hill Residents’ Association (PHRA). Day after day, they knocked on residents’ and officials’ doors spending hours meeting civic and police authorities to build trust and momentum. They started door-to-door waste segregation, slashing daily garbage levy dramatically from 2.2 tons to around 800 kg.

In 2018, PHRA rolled out an innovative biogas plant, processing one tonne of wet waste into energy that powers streetlights, saves crores in electricity, and produces compost for community gardens. Recognized by key ministries and foundations, their award-winning model also established strict redevelopment guidelines and SOPs limiting construction hours, mandating noise barriers, and enforcing rubble-free roads. Security soared too: high-definition night-vision cameras feed directly to Khar police, and householders handle digging permissions, deposits, and tree preservation. Today, Pali Hill runs on collaboration, not confrontation a verdant, safe, community-driven legacy born from the bold action of eight visionary women.