In the bustling city of Sinnar, where centuries of history have woven a rich cultural tapestry, there is a transformation underway - a transformation driven by the tenacity of women who have come together to change their lives and the future of their beloved city.

Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, Sinnar is a city where people of diverse backgrounds and faiths have lived in harmony for generations. However, like many urban areas in India, Sinnar had its share of challenges. One such challenge was open defecation, which had persisted for years. In 2017, everything changed when the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched, setting in motion a wave of transformation for the city of Sinnar. This nationwide cleanliness campaign aimed to eradicate open defecation and promote sanitation, turning the vision of a cleaner and healthier India into a reality.

Anil Ganpati Jadhav, City Mission Manager of the National Livelihood Mission in Sinnar, is at the helm of an initiative aimed at eradicating poverty in urban areas, primarily through women's empowerment, social integration, and institutional building. Within Sinnar, the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana scheme has been at the forefront of this anti-poverty campaign. Under the aegis of the National Urban Livelihood Mission, the city of Sinnar placed self-help groups at the center of its focus. These groups empowered women to create change, offering training, and support to help them uplift their lives and those of their families. Women learned about financial literacy and digitalization, giving them newfound confidence and skills. These initiatives, as he emphasizes, are instrumental in empowering women and uplifting the urban poor from poverty's clutches.

Women who had previously limited employment opportunities found themselves at the forefront of change. The municipal council recognized the potential in these self-help groups and started offering them work in various projects related to sanitation. This, in turn, improved their economic standing and contributed to the financial stability of their families. The transformation in Sinnar was not just limited to personal empowerment. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aimed at making the city open defecation-free, and the women of Sinnar's self-help groups played a pivotal role in this achievement. They were at the forefront of creating awareness and helping families build individual toilets. The municipal council provided financial assistance to construct these toilets, changing the way people viewed sanitation in the city.

Sinnar's remarkable journey didn't end there. Over time, these septic tanks were often filled to capacity in these toilets. The women conducted a survey to collect information about septic tanks in households. The municipal council thereafter initiated a sewage management project, led by the women's self-help groups, to process the sewage stored in the toilets. The sewage was collected and brought to the project site. This wastewater was then purified and used for nurturing plants and gardens, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the city's green spaces. The impact of these initiatives extended beyond sanitation. The newfound financial stability allowed women to contribute to their families' livelihoods. They could afford education for their children and manage daily household expenses. Women no longer had to depend solely on their husbands or other family members for financial support.

The story of Sinnar, he shares, is a testament to the resilience and determination of women, the power of government initiatives, and the spirit of a community working together for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future. Sinnar serves as an inspiration, showcasing the positive change that can be achieved when communities unite to overcome challenges and transform their cities. The success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan resulted in the city being declared open defecation free.