Embarking on a journey to revolutionize sanitation practices in Chunar Nagar Palika Parishad, Ms. Prathibha Singh, the Executive Officer, stands as a resilient leader breaking barriers and championing the cause of equitable sanitation. Her narrative unfolds as a beacon of inspiration, driven by a deep commitment to transforming Chunar's waste management and mainstreaming Faecal Sludge Management (FSM).
Ms. Prathibha has been associated with the Uttar Pradesh Government since 2007, navigating challenges around access to clean water and sanitation facilities, especially for women. She is committed to working towards achieving a sustainable and efficient sanitation value chain. Leading by example, she shattered gender norms, actively participating in decision-making, capacity building, and educating students on sanitation.
In 2019, a groundbreaking partnership with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) paved the way for enhanced FSM in Chunar. The Technical Support Unit (TSU) established under this collaboration aimed to fortify Chunar's sanitation infrastructure. Prathibha's team steadily progressed in effectively identifying and managing fault-lines in the sanitation value chain before the pandemic hit.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, Prathibha's demonstrated a forward-thinking approach in leadership. Recognizing the potential panic among sanitation workers due to the lack of information, she collaborated with CSE to provide technical support in training and spreading awareness amongst workers. The support also involved supplying over 120 PPE kits to sanitation workers in that time.
Despite the hurdle posed by the pandemic, Ms. Prathibha remained optimistic and proactive. She saw reduced waste from hotels and industries as an opportunity to design better strategies for waste management. Even with a constrained budget, she collaborated with CSE to create communication materials on FSM, ensuring continued awareness.
Looking ahead, Prathibha aspires for Chunar to achieve ODF++ and Water+ milestones. The Malasur campaign will drive FSM awareness, with a focus on leveraging new technologies for occupational safety and health. Undoubtedly, she sees students as change-makers, envisioning a ripple effect as they carry the message to their families and communities, fostering a transformative impact on society. Prathibha’s inspiring journey in the sanitation sector serves as a testament to her resilience, vision, and commitment to creating a positive change in Chunar.