Implementation of Solid Waste Management Program by Saahas with the funding support from Rainmatter Foundation

[Saahas_Updates]

Location: Gundugurthi Gram Panchayat, Wadagera Taluk, Yadgir District

As part of the ongoing intervention in Yadgir District covering 55 Gram Panchayats, the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yadgir Zilla Panchayath, Shri Lavish Ordia IAS, visited Gundugurthi Gram Panchayat, located in Wadagera Taluk. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) unit in the area.

During the visit, the CEO appreciated the significant efforts of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involved in the segregation and separation of waste materials. These groups have been instrumental in not only managing waste effectively but also in generating revenue through the sale of segregated materials, which is being utilized for covering fuel costs and paying salaries.

The CEO also commended the work carried out by the SAAHAS organization in supporting 55 Gram Panchayats in the district, particularly in promoting waste segregation and management practices.

However, during the inspection of the SWM unit, the CEO identified some pending tasks, such as the installation of a mesh gate and the construction of a bed for the SWM unit. These are necessary for securing the materials and improving the overall safety and functionality of the unit.

In response, Shri Lavish Ordia IAS directed the concerned officials, including the Executive Officer (EO) and the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), to complete the pending work promptly. This would ensure the safety of the materials and enhance the efficiency of the SWM unit.

The CEO’s visit emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards in the SWM unit and ensuring the sustainability of the waste management initiatives for the benefit of the community. The instructions given by the CEO will help in further strengthening the ongoing intervention and ensure that the Gram Panchayats are well-equipped for efficient waste management.

Location - Savalagi GP, Kalaburagi District.

Savalagi B Gram Panchayat, located approximately 25 kilometers from Kalaburagi district, has faced significant challenges in establishing a solid waste management (SWM) unit due to land-related issues. Since January 2023, Saahas has been in discussions with the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and the President to propose the establishment of a temporary SWM unit. However, despite repeated proposals, no action was taken on these suggestions.

The situation took a negative turn when, during the verification for the Gandhi Puraskar 2024, the Zilla Panchayat team discovered that the Panchayat had not initiated any waste management activities. As a result, the Panchayat was disqualified from receiving the prestigious award, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

In response to this setback, the President of the Gram Panchayat reached out to Saahas for a focused group discussion to find a viable solution. A constructive outcome emerged from this dialogue when the President identified an old building within the Panchayat that could be repurposed as a temporary SWM unit. This proactive step now allows the Panchayat to kickstart effective waste management practices.

The repurposing of the building into a functional waste management unit will not only address immediate waste management concerns but also enhance the environmental health of the community. Moreover, it positions the Panchayat on a path to qualify for future recognitions, such as the Gandhi Puraskar, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

[Saahas_Updates]

Kalaburagi District:

On December 6, 2024, a focused group meeting was convened at the Pattan Gram Panchayat in the Kalaburagi District. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Panchayat President, the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), members of the Gram Panchayat, and women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The primary objective of this gathering was to discuss the implementation of a user fee system for the solid waste management process, as well as to ensure the sustainability of the SHG women involved in this initiative.

During the discussions, the PDO proposed a nominal fee of one rupee per household per month to be collected for the solid waste management services. This decision was aimed at fostering community participation and financial sustainability for the project. The participants recognized the importance of this initiative not only for effective waste management but also for empowering the SHG women by providing them with a steady source of income through their involvement in the project.

As a result of this initiative, the Pattan Gram Panchayat successfully collected a total of 8,800 rupees in user fees during the month of December. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Pattan GP has become the first Gram Panchayat in the Kalaburagi District to implement a user fee system for solid waste management. The successful collection of these fees demonstrates the community’s commitment to improving waste management practices and supporting the livelihoods of the SHG women involved in the project

--------- END ------------
GP-Arikera J

TQ-Hunsagi

Dist-Yadgir

The vehicle of Arikera J Gram Panchayat, Hunsagi Taluk, has remained non-operational for the past year. Despite several requests to the Gram Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) to resume its service, including in monthly follow-up letters, the issue was not addressed. This matter was also brought to the attention of the Hon’ble Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer (EO) in the monthly reports. In response, the EO issued multiple instructions to the PDO to ensure the vehicle’s operation, but no action was taken.

However, on December 12, 2024, the Hon’ble Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zilla Panchayat, Yadgir, visited the Gram Panchayat. After receiving instructions from the CEO, the PDO promptly resumed the vehicle’s operation, which began waste collection in the village the very next day.

This timely intervention and the vehicle’s revival can serve as an important example for other areas facing similar issues. We hope this update encourages others to take proactive steps in ensuring that vehicles and services are available to the public without delay."

[Saahas_Updates]

Update from Kalaburagi

The Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsav 7, held in Kalaburagi from January 29 to February 6, was a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, traditions, and social awareness. The event was formally inaugurated by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, which added a prestigious touch to the festival.

Among the many highlights of the festival, the **Kalaburagi team from MSKK played a crucial role by setting up a stall focused on solid waste management practices. Their initiative was aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of managing waste effectively, which is a pressing issue in both urban and rural areas across India.

The MSKK stall at the Utsav was designed to educate people on a variety of solid waste management techniques. These included segregation of waste at source, the importance of recycling, reducing plastic usage, and using eco-friendly materials. The team provided practical demonstrations on how households and communities could take simple steps to reduce waste production, such as composting organic waste, using alternatives to plastic, and separating recyclable items from non-recyclable ones.

Additionally, the stall highlighted the role of community participation in waste management and how collective efforts can lead to cleaner surroundings. also educated visitors about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal, such as the pollution of water bodies and the strain on landfills. They encouraged everyone, from children to adults, to take responsibility for waste reduction and to promote sustainable living.

Through such efforts, the Utsav acted as a catalyst for social change, fostering an understanding of how cultural events can be platforms for addressing pressing societal issues such as waste management. The event’s success highlighted the potential for cultural gatherings to go beyond entertainment and contribute meaningfully to important social causes.

Update from Yadgiri

The Saahas Assam team recently visited Yadgir district for a learning trip to understand how Self-Help Groups (SHGs) operate and the procedures for forming SHGs and Gram Panchayat Level Federations (GPLFs). The team visited four GPs—Mudnal, Alipur, Kanne Kollur, and Kollur M—which are model GPs where Saahas is actively engaged in follow-ups.

During the field visit, SHG members and Swachhata workers shared their experiences, discussing the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. The women spoke proudly of their work and the positive impact they have on their villages, encouraging other women to step forward in society.

In Kanne Kollur, the Assam team met a lady driver who won the Best Lady Driver Award from the state government. She shared her journey, the challenges she faced, and the encouragement she received.

The team also visited Kollur M, a model village, where they met the PDO and GP President to learn about the benefits SHGs receive, including funds for salaries, vehicle maintenance, and grants from the government. Additionally, they visited the SWM unit in Kollur M, where they observed the scrap-selling process, segregation practices, and reviewed important documents like the logbook and attendance sheets.
Here are the pics from field.

[Saahas_Updates]

Update from Kalaburagi

The Saahas team recently organized an impactful session on Solid Waste Management across five government schools, aiming to instill the importance of responsible waste handling in young minds. Through this initiative, we reached over 400 students and equipped them with knowledge to play an active role in keeping their surroundings clean.

The session was both educational and interactive, utilizing flip charts and engaging games to ensure students grasped the significance of segregating waste at the source. We also highlighted the importance of ensuring that segregated waste is handed over to the designated waste collection vehicles.

At the end of the session, each student received a pen as a token of appreciation for their participation, reinforcing the importance of staying committed to waste management practices.

Here are the schools where the sessions took place:

• Jafarabad: 68 participants
• Chinchansoor: 73 participants
• Gobbour K: 128 participants
• Gola B: 84 participants
• Malagathi: 71 participants

This initiative is not just about teaching students – it’s about empowering them to lead the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Here are the pictures from the sessions.

Update from Yadgiri
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge and Action!

A group of dedicated SHG workers from Wanadurga Gram Panchayat, Shahapur Taluk, recently visited Kollur M GP for an enlightening exposure visit, under the guidance of PDO Sri Bheemana Gouda Biradar. The visit was focused on understanding the segregation and collection of dry waste at the SWM unit and the income generated from selling dry waste – a key step towards sustainable waste management!

During the visit, the bill collector shared valuable insights on how they manage and maintain the vehicles, covering aspects such as vehicle costs, SHG salaries, and vehicle upkeep.

This exposure visit empowered the SHG workers with knowledge that will help them improve waste management practices and better manage their own resources back in their community.

Here are the pictures from the exposure visit.