Lighthouse Initiative Phase-II: Stakeholder Orientation and Training Conducted in Rengali, Sambalpur

The India Sanitation Coalition, in partnership with Hindalco Industries and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, conducted an integrated orientation and training program for Gram Panchayat–level stakeholders of Rengali block, Sambalpur, under Lighthouse Initiative Phase-II, from 4–5 November 2025.

The initiative brought together 78 Gram Panchayat stakeholders to strengthen capacities under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The comprehensive training addressed critical gaps in sanitation awareness and infrastructure management across 66 villages, 65 of which have already achieved ODF Plus model status. Participants gained technical knowledge on waste segregation at source, NADEP composting, greywater management through soak pits, and the Gobardhan biogas scheme.

Hindalco's CSR team, led by Mr. Ravi Niwash and Mr. S.K. Mahapatra, actively facilitated the program, demonstrating strong corporate commitment. Government leadership anchored the initiative, with Block Development Officer Shri Pritam Kumar Tanti and Gram Panchayat Development Officer Shri Chandra Sekhar Mishra providing crucial administrative support. District Sanitation Consultant Mr. Bidyut Kumar Nag ensured alignment with state-level sanitation strategies, reinforcing the collaborative governance model.

With funding support from SBM-G, 15th Finance Commission grants, MGNREGA, and CSR contributions, field-level data collection by Swachhta Saathis will guide targeted interventions, positioning Rengali as a replicable model for sustainable rural sanitation across Odisha.

Key outcomes of the program included: