Dr. Purushottam Saudagr Dange is a recognized  expert in solid waste management and environmental engineering, with more than 18 years of professional experience spanning waste processing, dumpsite remediation, sewage management, WASH, industrial effluent systems, and sustainable infrastructure. He currently serves as Vice President at MITCON Consultancy & Engineering Services Ltd., where he provides strategic direction, technical leadership, and advisory services on large-scale waste and wastewater projects.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Dange has been an integral force behind some of India’s most challenging waste management assignments. He has played a key role in the management and reclamation of two of the country’s largest and most complex dumping grounds — Deonar and Mulund in Mumbai. These legacy waste facilities, spanning several decades of accumulated municipal waste, demanded scientific closure, remediation, and long-term monitoring. Dr. Dange’s contributions in introducing innovative reclamation methods, technology assessments, and sustainable reuse practices have positioned him among the few professionals with hands-on expertise in such rare mega-scale waste projects.

In addition to legacy dumpsites, Dr. Dange has led the design of the Waste Management Plan for Lucknow Airport, a project that required harmonizing aviation-grade infrastructure standards with waste handling, segregation, and disposal systems. This achievement highlights his ability to adapt core waste engineering principles to highly specialized and sensitive environments.

His leadership extends to urban solid waste reforms across Maharashtra, where he guided the preparation of Detailed Project Reports, transaction advisory, and monitoring services for 99 Urban Local Bodies under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (Urban). These projects introduced integrated waste management approaches, from door-to-door collection and segregation to scientific landfilling and waste-to-energy conversion. His portfolio also includes the development of 450 TPD Waste-to-Energy projects in Kozhikode, Kerala, secured landfill facilities in industrial estates, and advisory roles in hazardous waste management.

Beyond solid waste, Dr. Dange has significant experience in wastewater and effluent management, having acted as Lender’s Independent Engineer (LIE) and Technical Expert for large sewage treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). He has also delivered EPC and PMC services for STPs, CETPs, and industrial effluent plants, strengthening India’s wastewater infrastructure.

Academically, Dr. Dange holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, along with an M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai, a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, and a Law degree. His diverse educational foundation equips him with both technical precision and regulatory acumen, enabling him to navigate complex compliance frameworks with ease.

Complementing his industry career, he has served as an Associate Professor in leading engineering institutions, where he coordinated innovation cells, environmental awareness clubs, and consultancy programs. He continues to mentor young professionals in civil and environmental engineering, bridging the gap between academia and applied practice.

Through his rare expertise in mega dumping grounds, urban SWM reforms, waste-to-energy solutions, industrial landfills, and airport waste systems, Dr. Purushottam Dange has established himself as one of India’s most experienced and respected waste management professionals. His work integrates engineering excellence, policy insight, and social responsibility, shaping sustainable pathways for rural & urban development and industrial growth alike.

In his darkest moments, he found a ray of hope through our Destitute Rehabilitation Program, which provided him with shelter, medical care, and emotional support. With the guidance of our counselors, doctors, and rehabilitation specialists, he embarked on a journey of healing and renewal. His determination, along with our support, helped him regain his strength and confidence.

With time, he secured a stable job and rebuilt his life. Today, he is an inspiration, working as a Loan Manager at Axis Bank, Pune. His journey from destitution to restoration is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of compassion, resilience, and second chances.