GolGolGolu
Circular Micro-entrepreneurs Mapping, Re-skilling & Market Linkage Program
Repair, Don't Replace! Building a thriving circular economy in Mumbai by connecting citizens with local repair service providers.
Explore repair entrepreneurs across Mumbai
Live map of all repair micro-entrepreneurs we have documented. Each marker is color-coded by repair category.
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Repair Services
Discover local repair entrepreneurs making Mumbai more sustainable
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About the initiative
Gol-Gol-Golu
A structured, city-scale programme to strengthen the circular repair economy in Mumbai by mapping, upskilling and connecting micro-entrepreneurs with urban citizens.
Impact focus
Mapping micro-entrepreneurs, enabling circular behaviour.
Map
City-wide network of repair businesses
Upskill
Technical, business and digital skilling
Connect
Citizens discover and choose repair first
Background and rationale
The global economy currently consumes over 100 billion tonnes of materials annually, but only 7.2% is reused, down from 9.1% in 2018 (Circularity Gap Report, 2023). India, with its fast-growing urban consumer base, is increasingly contributing to this global waste crisis.
Studies show that urban India generates over 62 million tonnes of solid waste annually, of which a significant portion is comprised of discarded clothing, footwear, household electronics, and appliances — many of which are repairable.
The rise of cheap, fast-consumption products and limited awareness about repair options has led to a culture of "replace, not repair." However, India still retains a strong informal economy of repair-based service providers — cobblers, alteration tailors, mechanics, mobile and electronics repair shops, etc.
The Gol-Gol-Golu initiative is designed as a joyful, locally rooted, and scalable model to:
- Identify and spotlight existing micro-entrepreneurs across repair-related trades
- Upskill them with relevant tools, customer service, and digital access
- Build a public-facing listing and discovery platform
- Mobilize communities through campaigns and events to embrace circular consumption
- Host flagship "Gol-Gol-Golu Workshops" where repair culture becomes aspirational, visible, and actionable
Project objectives
Primary objective
To strengthen the circular economy by identifying, upskilling, and promoting local repair-based micro-entrepreneurs, while creating a culture of repair and reuse among urban citizens.
Map and document the urban repair economy
Identify and geo-tag micro-entrepreneurs through volunteer-led mapping drives and create a publicly accessible listing platform.
Enhance skills and capacities
Deliver targeted skilling workshops for at least 500 micro-entrepreneurs, covering technical improvements, customer service, business skills, and digital literacy.
Promote behaviour change
Launch a sustained "Repair, Don't Replace" public awareness campaign using storytelling, visual content, and community participation.
Create local circular economy infrastructure
Establish a tech-enabled platform where citizens can search, rate, and connect with nearby repair service providers.
Target beneficiaries
Primary: Micro-entrepreneurs
- Cobblers and footwear repairers
- Alteration tailors and clothes menders
- Electronic and mobile repair technicians
- Tinkers, welders, and small appliance fixers
- Bag, zip, umbrella, and toy repairers
- Furniture and bicycle mechanics
Secondary: Urban citizens
The program targets urban and peri-urban citizens as campaign participants and behavioural changemakers to rebuild social respect for repair work.
How We're Building the Circular Economy
Empowering micro-entrepreneurs and connecting communities for sustainable consumption
Mapping & Documentation
Identify and geo-tag local repair entrepreneurs across Mumbai, creating a comprehensive database of circular economy service providers.
Spreading the Word
Spread the word about the importance of repair and reuse through community participation.
Community Engagement
Support local repair entrepreneurs through workshops, events, and campaigns to promote repair culture and reduce waste.