Himachal Pradesh and HUL’s PCB launch state-wide municipal waste-management initiative

The Government of Himachal Pradesh and Hindustan Unilever Limited’s (HUL) Project Circular Bharat (PCB) have launched a state-wide capacity-building programme to strengthen sustainable and inclusive municipal solid waste management.

Reaching more than 800 elected representatives and senior officials across over 70 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) which is 95% of the state’s ULBs, the initiative will equip municipal leaders with practical tools to improve local waste systems and citizen participation. It draws on PCB’s experience in behaviour change, social inclusion and operationally sustainable Material Recovery Facilities.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh, through its Urban Development Directorate, will anchor the programme and facilitate ULB engagement. HUL’s Project Circular Bharat will contribute its circularity expertise; Feedback Foundation Charitable Trust (FFCT) will lead the Training Needs Assessment, training and post-workshop support; and Dasra will coordinate delivery and capture learnings.

From November 2026 to March 2027, 15+ cluster-based workshops will be followed by structured handholding. The needs assessment and field observations will tailor the curriculum to local challenges. Each participating ULB will develop a 30-60-90 day action plan, with follow-up support for implementation.

Training will cover waste reduction, segregation at source, collection and handling of segregated waste, resource recovery and recycling, alongside Bulk Waste Generators, citizen behaviour change, waste-worker inclusion, regulatory requirements and better use of existing infrastructure.

Designed for Himachal Pradesh’s hilly terrain, dispersed settlements, sensitive ecosystems and high tourist footfall, the approach will help towns and cities identify gaps and develop locally relevant responses.

Shri Vikramaditya Singh, Hon'ble Minister for Urban Development and Public Works, Government of Himachal Pradesh, said, "Under Project Circular Bharat, the Government, Urban Local Bodies, industry and civil society organisations are working together towards a common goal.

I am confident that this partnership will serve as a model for the rest of the country. I thank Hindustan Unilever Limited for its continued support and partnership in this initiative. Our objective is to enable Urban Local Bodies to take effective action aligned with local needs and priorities. Capacity building, institutional coordination and regular monitoring are critical for the effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

This state-wide initiative under Project Circular Bharat will strengthen local institutions, empower them to lead change, and contribute to the creation of cleaner, more organised and environmentally sustainable urban areas."