BY Kishor Kale
In the heart of Gandhi Nagar, Chitegaon, a remarkable transformation has taken place. What was once a village plagued by unsanitary conditions and prevalent health concerns, is now a shining example of community-driven change and environmental responsibility. This success story underscores the significant impact of the CYDA’s Waste Management Project supported by CIE India, which played a vital role in tackling the village’s waste challenges. Through youth-led initiatives, the project empowered local residents to actively participate in cleaning and waste management efforts. Today, Chitegaon stands as a beacon of sustainability, demonstrating how collective action can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future.
The challenges
Despite its hopes for progress, Chitegaon struggled with serious sanitation issues. Piles of household waste built up along Pangara Road, causing bad odor and attracting pests that spread disease. Villagers, especially children, faced increased health risks, including respiratory problems. The lack of knowledge about proper waste disposal made the situation worse, trapping the community in a cycle of neglect and illness.
Sheikh Shabbir, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, recalled, “Walking on the roads was unbearable because of the bad odor and garbage. Children often fell sick, and we felt stuck in these unsanitary conditions. The villagers did not understand the importance of cleanliness, and things just got worse.”
Our Intervention
CYDA launched the Waste Management Project in Chitegaon to address the pressing need for waste control. Main goals were to clean the village, promote waste segregation, and create lasting waste management practices. The project focused on involving the local community and took smart, effective actions. As a result, it sparked positive change in the village, encouraging people to adopt better waste habits and work together for a cleaner environment. This initiative helped set the foundation for a sustainable, long-term solution to waste management in the area.
Key Initiatives
- Awareness Campaigns:
- Conducted educational sessions on the importance of cleanliness and its impact on health.
- Provided training on segregating household waste into wet and dry categories to enable recycling and reuse.
- Waste Management Plan:
- Implemented a system for door-to-door waste collection to eliminate random dumping.
- Organized village meetings to introduce a ban on littering and reinforce community participation.
- Cleared garbage from public areas, notably Pangara Road, restoring its usability and hygiene.
- Cleanliness Drives:
- Mobilized youth groups and self-help organizations to lead public cleanliness campaigns.
- Declared a weekly “Cleanliness Day” to maintain momentum and community involvement.
Young generation leads the charge for a cleaner village
The success of the project relied on the active involvement of young generation. Local youth emerged as champions of the initiative, leading by example during cleanliness drives and advocating for waste segregation practices. Their energy and passion inspired others, helping to overcome resistance and encouraging everyone to take responsibility for keeping the village clean.
The Impact
The Waste Management Project brought a huge change to Chitegaon. The streets, once filled with trash and bad odour, were now clean and easy to walk through. Pangara Road, which had been ignored, became a well-maintained area. Regular waste segregation helped lower health risks and supported recycling. Health in the village improved greatly, with fewer mosquito breeding spots and less air pollution. This led to fewer illnesses in both children and adults.
“Mosquitoes are less of a problem, and the children are much healthier now,” said Sheikh Shabbir, feeling relieved.
Economic and agricultural benefits
CYDA also introduced the concept of reusing organic waste for agricultural purposes. Farmers adopted organic fertilizers, resulting in enhanced crop yields and reduced reliance on chemical inputs. This not only supported sustainable farming practices but also improved household incomes.
Chitegaon: A Model of Cleanliness
Today, Chitegaon is a model village for cleanliness and sustainability. The transformation has improved the quality of life for its residents and positioned the community as an advocate for positive change. The intervention not only addressed immediate sanitation issues but also empowered the villagers to maintain these improvements for years to come. Sheikh Shabbir sums up the impact – This initiative has changed our lives. We have learned the value of cleanliness and now inspire others to follow our example.
(The author is the SLWM Coordinator at YAF)
