Bradford Dawoodi Bohras Muslim community Praised for Clean-Up Efforts

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community in Bradford has been honoured with the ‘Great Britain Spring Clean Award’ in recognition of their outstanding environmental efforts.

The award was presented by Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, who commended the community’s active role in improving the city.

“It’s inspiring to see residents of Bradford stepping up and contributing to making our city a better place to live,” she said. “The Dawoodi Bohra community is turning intentions into meaningful action, and this national recognition is well-deserved. Congratulations and thank you.”

This award celebrates the Bohras’ ongoing commitment to environmental protection and community service.

The Dawoodi Bohras have been part of Bradford since the early 1960s, when a small group migrated from Western India in search of better opportunities and a brighter future for their families.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Thanks to faith groups like the Dawoodi Bohras and countless volunteers, over 4.2 million bags of litter have been cleared from our streets, parks, and beaches since the Great British Spring Clean began in 2016.

“The environment is a shared responsibility, and we’re grateful to all the Litter Heroes who are making a visible difference in their communities.”

Raaj Cochin, representing the Bradford Dawoodi Bohra community, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “We are humbled to receive this award from Keep Britain Tidy for our sustained efforts in environmental conservation. From litter picks and clean-up campaigns to tree planting and zero-waste initiatives, we aim to raise awareness and encourage responsibility among local residents.”

These activities are part of the community’s global philanthropic initiative, ‘Project Rise,’ which partners with local organizations and authorities to address issues such as food insecurity, access to education, health and hygiene, and environmental sustainability.

Adam Masjid, the community’s centre in Bradford, was among the first mosques in the UK to adopt solar energy. The Dawoodi Bohras also regularly participate in tree-planting drives and other ecological projects.