
SUGHAD
Clean, Green and Healthy Villages
The Sughad Project is a comprehensive initiative designed to improve Solid Waste Management (SWM) and sanitation through the construction of toilets in underserved communities. With increasing industrialization and urbanization in rural areas, the definition of villages has evolved. This shift has resulted in greater waste generation and more complex sanitation challenges. Effective SWM has become crucial to maintaining cleaner environments and better public health in rural settings, where the demand for sanitation solutions and waste management systems has risen dramatically. The Sughad Project seeks to address these challenges, not only by improving hygiene but also by fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment.
The Sughad Project uses a community-driven approach to tackle the dual issues of SWM and sanitation. Central to the methodology is the active involvement of women and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who are key to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the project. By equipping local women with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project empowers them as leaders in waste management and sanitation. This approach ensures that both SWM and toilet construction initiatives are effective, sustainable, and well-supported by the communities.
Key Components:
Solid Waste Management (SWM): The project encourages waste segregation at the household level, focusing on separating dry, wet, and hazardous waste. Women and SHGs are trained as sanitation leaders and workers, taking on responsibilities for waste collection, segregation, and transportation. Through capacity-building workshops, women gain practical skills in waste management and assume leadership roles in organizing waste collection in their communities. This process not only empowers women economically and socially but also ensures cleaner, healthier environments. The integration of the HARSH project, which focused on empowering sanitation workers and enhancing waste management infrastructure, further strengthens the SWM framework in Sughad. HARSH's tools, such as worker training and waste processing systems, complement the Sughad approach, making waste management more efficient and sustainable.
Toilet Construction and Sanitation: The Sughad Project facilitates the construction of individual household toilets and community toilets, addressing the issue of open defecation. Women are involved in raising awareness about sanitation and hygiene, educating families on the importance of maintaining clean and safe sanitation practices. SHGs play a critical role in mobilizing resources for toilet construction and ensuring proper usage and maintenance. Women’s involvement fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens community-driven sanitation improvements. Through these efforts, the project not only addresses waste management but also contributes to improved public health and quality of life in the targeted areas.
Methodology:
Committees and Decision-Making: A key component of the Sughad Project is the formation of Swachhata ane Swasthya Samitees (SSS) at the village level. These committees are formed through active participation of women and SHGs and are tasked with planning, implementing, and overseeing both SWM and sanitation activities. The committees are trained in leadership and project management, ensuring a participatory approach to decision-making. Regular meetings enable members to discuss local waste management challenges, prioritize interventions, and develop sustainable solutions tailored to their community’s needs. Decisions are made collectively, ensuring inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of each village.
Exposure Visits for SWM: Exposure visits are a vital part of the Sughad methodology, providing Swachhata ane Swasthya Samitees (SSS)Â members with real-world examples of successful SWM systems implemented in other communities. During these visits, members, particularly women and SHGs, have the opportunity to observe effective waste management practices firsthand. By interacting with local leaders, sanitation workers, and other stakeholders, SSS members gain practical insights into waste segregation, collection, and recycling strategies that can be adapted to their own villages. These visits empower the committees with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, encouraging them to adopt innovative solutions and improve their own waste management systems. Exposure visits foster collaboration and enhance decision-making by broadening perspectives and showcasing practical, scalable solutions.
The Sughad Project’s methodology is designed to promote community ownership, with a strong focus on the involvement of women and SHGs. Through the establishment of committees, capacity-building initiatives, and exposure visits, the project ensures that decision-making is inclusive, informed, and grounded in local context. This approach guarantees the sustainability of both SWM and sanitation initiatives, making the Sughad Project a model for community-led development and empowerment.
Project Gallery
Partners
The Sughad Project has achieved success through valuable partnerships and funding from a range of governmental and non-governmental organizations, ensuring its impactful and sustainable outcomes.


Impact of the Initiative
The Sughad Project has brought about significant improvements in public health, environmental cleanliness, and community empowerment. One of the key outcomes is the noticeable increase in cleanliness within the communities, with waste segregation practices now widely adopted at the household level. Communities have shown greater readiness to segregate waste to avoid pile-ups, which has reduced environmental pollution and improved public health outcomes. Waste management has become more organized and efficient, leading to cleaner surroundings and a significant reduction in waste accumulation in public spaces.
The project has also strengthened grassroots institutions, notably through the formation of Swachhata ane Swasthya Samitees (SSS) at the village level. These committees, consisting of women and marginalized groups, ensure the sustainability of waste management practices. Women from marginalized communities are now actively involved in decision-making processes, which has helped reduce inequalities and foster a sense of empowerment. With equal representation in the SSS, women have gained a stronger voice in the community, contributing to more inclusive and effective waste management solutions. This empowerment has led to women becoming champions of sanitation, with many now striving for the first rank in Swachh Survekshan, reflecting their growing confidence and leadership in managing sanitation standards.
Furthermore, the Sughad Project has effectively leveraged government funds and collaborated closely with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), ensuring long-term sustainability and enhancing the project's reach and impact. Through these efforts, the Sughad Project has contributed to both social and environmental transformation, promoting cleaner environments, stronger institutions, and greater gender equality.




