A few years ago, the situation in Wards 21, 5, and 22 of Hardoi Municipality was seemingly beyond repair. Streets were littered with garbage, waste was dumped haphazardly, and sanitation was a major concern. People often complained, but no concrete steps were taken to address the issue.

Then came a turning point. Under the Khushali Swachhata Initiative, the FINISH Society and DCM Shriram Foundation launched an initiative focused on solid waste management, (SWM), segregation, and sanitation awareness. The goal was to bring a systemic change in how people viewed and handled waste.

The initial phase was met with resistance. People were skeptical—many questioned, “Will this really make any difference?” Some even mocked at the initiative. However, the project team remained steadfast. They went door-to-door, explaining the importance of waste segregation, organizing street plays, rallies, and community meetings to drive awareness. Residents were encouraged to keep separate dustbins for dry and wet waste.

Despite the awareness efforts, there were multiple hurdles. Some residents refused to change their habits, continuing to dump waste on the streets as they had for years. Waste collection faced disruptions, and a lack of resources and irregular workforce added to the challenge. But the team didn’t give up.

To strengthen community participation, ward-level monitoring committees were formed, involving local residents, teachers, children, and elders. Gradually, a shift in mindset became evident—people started segregating waste at home, ensuring timely handover to collection vehicles. The streets became cleaner, and awareness about hygiene and sanitation grew.

After two years of relentless efforts, October 2, 2024, became a landmark day for these wards. In a formal event attended by District Magistrate Mangala Prasad, Municipality Executive Officer Vinod Kumar Solanki, and senior officials from DCM Shriram Foundation, Wards 21, 5, and 22 were officially declared “Self-Sustaining Wards” in waste management.

During the ceremony, the ward handover document was presented to the District Magistrate and the Hardoi Municipality, symbolizing the successful transition of these wards into self-sufficient waste management system. The efforts of FINISH Society and DCM Shriram Foundation were widely appreciated, with officials recognizing their contribution through certificates of appreciation. Additionally, dedicated community members who played a key role in the project’s success were also honored.

Today, these three wards are not just an example for Hardoi Municipality but serve as an inspiration for the entire district. The journey from waste-ridden streets to self-reliant waste management highlights the power of community participation and sustained efforts.

From October 2, 2022, to October 2, 2024, 172  metric tons of wet waste have been processed through decentralized methods, proving that sustainable solutions are achievable with commitment, persistence, and collective action.

This transformation stands as a testament to the fact that with the right vision and dedication, any challenge can be overcome.