We are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration between the RCUES of AIILSG and Umicore Autocat India Private Limited, under the latter’s CSR initiative. This partnership represents a crucial step in addressing the pressing challenges of waste management and air pollution in Maharashtra.

We are excited to announce the launch of the Majhi Vasundhara 4.0 guidebook in collaboration with the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, and supported by UNICEF, Maharashtra. The guidebook is a vital resource to equip urban and rural local bodies with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively participate in the Majhi Vasundhara 4.0 Abhiyan.

Given the critical need for climate action, this guidebook provides essential knowledge and practical tools for local bodies. It simplifies key concepts like sequestration, water and energy audits, and equips you to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. We believe this resource will be a valuable asset in building your capacity and fostering awareness within your communities.

Download the guidebook now and join us in making a difference!

The Secretariat collaborated with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other sector specialists to develop a compendium that discusses challenges in WASH and avenues for collective action. The framework was launched and published by the Ministry on 3rd March 2022 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

MoU signed with the Directorate of Swachh Maharashtra Mission, Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra for building capacities, facilitating partnerships and supporting innovations under Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan-Urban 2.0.

Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), AIILSG, Mumbai under Secretariat Maharashtra Urban WASH-ES Coalition, celebrated the World Toilet Day 2022 in collaboration with Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation – the top-ranked city in Maharashtra under SwachhSurvekshan 2022. The Deputy Municipal Commissioner (SWM) of Navi Mumbai shared the outstanding & inspiring work in the city. All the participants were motivated to learn about the city’s efforts in Community Sanitation moving towards Water+City, & adopting systems that helped the city to become 1st Water+ and GFC 5-star-rated city in Maharashtra. The Secretariat of the Coalition jointly organised the seminar with partner Ecosan Services Foundation, India on ‘Strengthening Community & Public Sanitation-under SBM (U) 2.0’. The event witnessed participation from diverse organisations working on sanitation with different user groups, including schools children, community, and floating population, etc., and stakeholders responsible for the maintenance of different kinds of toilets.

Together with the local government bodies, development partners and subject experts, the RCUES Mumbai leads the assessment, deployment and scaling up of Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) in Maharashtra. The projects aim to understand the approaches to FSSM adopted at the local level and related developments in selected cities.

In partnership with Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS) supported by IHE Delft, AIILSG Mumbai offers Post Graduate Diploma in WASH Management and Online courses on selected modules. The one-year course offers sanitation and sanitary engineering knowledge to students and professionals with a graduate degree who wish to specialise in WASH professionally. The enrolment for the new batch will begin in July 2022 and the course commences from September 2022.

To inculcate green habits in children, together with the Department of Environment and the Climate Change and UNICEF Maharashtra, the RCUES of AIILSG and other subject experts have developed Majhi Vasundhara Curriculum, focusing on practical learning methods. The curriculum was handed over to the Hon’ble Minister of School Education for school students of grades I-VIII.

The Secretariat collaborated with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other sector specialists to develop a compendium that discusses challenges in WASH and avenues for collective action. The framework was launched and published by the Ministry on 3rd March 2022 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

With support from nine urban local bodies and in partnership with five NGOs across Maharashtra, the Secretariat in collaboration with UNICEF Maharashtra led an initiative to promote infection prevention and control within communities, elevate the role of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) by encouraging behavioural change and reinforcing COVID appropriate behaviour through innovative IEC activities and community outreach.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, 2023, a MoU was signed between the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra and Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies to support the State Action Plan on Climate Change report by participating in departmental consultations and to provide technical support to Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan. This facilitates effective implementation of schemes and policies related to WASH and environmental sustainability at local body level through knowledge management and capacity building.

The visit of Mr Paulos Workneh, the WASH Chief from UNICEF, India, to the Urban-Rural Convergence project in Indapur showcases the efforts of UNICEF, which has created an impact on health outcomes and furthered the alignment with Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and Swachh Bharat Mission-Rural (SBM-R). The discussions during the visit shed light on the critical role of proper Fecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) in promoting community health and achieving SDG6 targets related to clean water and sanitation.

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We are excited to share that the impactful role was played by the (Elected Representative) Sarpanch of Pandharwadi Gram Panchayat in the initiative of locally-led unique model of urban-rural convergence, aimed at promoting sustainable Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) in the Indapur cluster of Pune district. Following the formalization of an institutional partnership for FSSM through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), urban and rural stakeholders in the Indapur cluster have taken significant strides forward. One remarkable highlight is the proactive participation of the (Elected Representative) Sarpanch of Pandharwadi Gram Panchayat, who has spearheaded the scheme by becoming the first rural household to have their septic tank desludged. This act serves as an inspiration and encouragement to other households in the village.

This milestone demonstrates our collective determination to foster urban-rural convergence in FSSM. We firmly believe that inclusive and locally-led efforts are the key to achieving sustainable outcomes. We commend the Elected Representative’s dedication and initiative in embracing this scheme and encourage other households to follow suit.

UNICEF, Maharashtra, in partnership with the Centre for Environment Education, Pune, and with support from RCUES of AIILSG, Mumbai, has developed a series of climate action briefs. These briefs address important thematic areas such as water, solid waste management, energy, and biocultural diversity. The main objective of these briefs is to raise awareness about climate change and break down complex issues into simple language. By localizing the Sustainable Development Goals, the briefs aim to inspire individuals, communities, and government bodies in Maharashtra to take meaningful action towards reducing their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The briefs are available in both English and Marathi, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. They provide practical interventions and activities that can be implemented at the individual, community, and government levels. By following the guidance in these briefs, youth, community members, and urban and rural local bodies can actively contribute to environmental sustainability.

The content of the action briefs is designed to be easily understood, providing clear information and actionable steps related to water conservation and sanitation, solid waste management, energy conservation, and biocultural diversity. Through these briefs, individuals and communities can gain a deeper understanding of climate change issues and play an active role in creating a more sustainable future for Maharashtra.