NEW DELHI (India CSR): Nestled in the pristine Eastern Himalayas, Sangti village, once known for its clear rivers and scenic beauty, now grapples with a rising tide of plastic waste. Yet, under the determined guidance of Ittisha Sarah, the village is on a path toward becoming a zero-waste community. Through her Northeast Waste Collective, Ittisha empowers locals to adopt sustainable waste management practices, creating a model for environmentally conscious living.
Empowering Sangti: A Vision for a Waste-Free Future
The Hidden Gem Facing Pollution
Sangti village, in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, is home to the Monpa community. Traditionally vibrant and close-knit, the villagers have long enjoyed a peaceful life in harmony with nature. However, pollution has marred the once-crystal-clear Sangti river, as rising plastic waste threatens the village’s natural landscape.
In 2018, Ittisha, a 32-year-old social designer from Assam, visited Sangti for a school tour. Inspired by the beauty and potential of the area, she saw an opportunity to combine local traditions with waste management. This vision soon evolved into the Sangti Project—a bold initiative to balance development and sustainability.
Community-Based Waste Management
To turn Sangti into a zero-waste village, Ittisha’s Northeast Waste Collective introduced a unique, community-driven waste management system. Following the Buddhist lunar calendar, villagers now dedicate three days each month to managing and segregating waste. “The approach respects local traditions and empowers villagers to take responsibility for their environment,” says Akriti Sagar, Deputy Commissioner of West Kameng.
Local committees, involving both men and women, have taken charge of waste collection and segregation. These efforts have earned recognition from district authorities and are becoming a blueprint for sustainable waste management across the region.
A Journey from Economics to Sustainability
Originally from Assam, Ittisha’s journey began when she pursued a degree in economics. But her true calling emerged when she took a course in social design at Ambedkar University, Delhi. Realizing that corporate life wasn’t for her, she became fascinated by the intersection of design and community-based problem-solving. Her work later expanded to e-waste and solid waste management, laying the foundation for her future in Sangti.
Building a Sustainable Infrastructure
In 2020, as part of the Monyul Gathering Festival, the Northeast Waste Collective helped establish Sangti’s first waste management infrastructure. A materials recovery facility (MRF) was set up to collect and process waste from the village, marking the beginning of Sangti’s transformation. Although the pandemic stalled progress, Ittisha returned in 2022 to revive and expand the program.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Setting up a waste management system in a remote Himalayan village came with its own set of challenges. “Raising funds was difficult, and corruption slowed down progress,” Ittisha recounts. Undeterred, she continued to mobilize local volunteers and engage women’s self-help groups, who play a pivotal role in waste segregation and maintaining cleanliness in the village.
Integrating Local Culture for Lasting Impact
To make waste management a seamless part of village life, Ittisha tapped into the Monpa community’s traditions. Specific days each month are designated for social service, where one person from every household participates in cleaning. This integration has not only simplified waste management but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility among residents.
The Role of Tourism and Environmental Awareness
Managing the Impact of Tourism
Sangti, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, attracts a growing number of tourists each year. This influx, however, threatens to increase waste. To counter this, homestay owners and the local administration are educating tourists on Sangti’s zero-waste practices. “Our guests are encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly,” says Pema Sangay, a homestay owner in the village.
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
The district administration, along with Northeast Waste Collective, is actively working to spread awareness about eco-friendly tourism. Local festivals use bamboo and traditional materials, reducing the need for plastics and promoting sustainable practices among locals and visitors alike.
A Community-Driven Model: Success and Future Prospects
The Community Takes Charge
Through a collective approach, Sangti’s residents now manage waste with minimal external assistance. Monthly cleanup drives, local committees, and strict waste segregation practices have made Sangti a model of community-led sustainability. “Our community-driven approach is key to our success,” Ittisha explains.
Positive Feedback and Growing Awareness
The success in Sangti has drawn praise from local leaders, who see the project as a beacon for other villages. “This model could be replicated in other ecologically sensitive areas,” says Akriti Sagar, highlighting the initiative’s broader impact.
Sangti’s Road Ahead: Toward a Sustainable Future
Despite the challenges, Sangti is closer than ever to achieving a zero-waste goal. The Northeast Waste Collective, with support from the community and local administration, continues to push forward. “Persistence is crucial,” says Ittisha, who hopes to further improve infrastructure and expand the waste management system to nearby areas.
Sangti’s transformation is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and sustainable practices. Thanks to Ittisha’s relentless efforts and the commitment of Sangti’s people, the village stands as a hopeful symbol of environmental stewardship in the Eastern Himalayas.
