Empowering Sangti: A Village's Journey to Zero-Waste Living

How Ittisha Sarah and the Northeast Waste Collective Are Leading a Sustainable Revolution in the Eastern Himalayas

Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the serene village of Sangti, home to the Monpa people, faced a growing challenge of pollution. Over time, the once-pristine Sangti river became burdened with plastic waste, threatening the village's natural beauty. In 2018, Ittisha Sarah, a visionary from Guwahati with a background in social design, visited the village and was inspired to initiate change.

After completing her Social Design course at Ambedkar University, Delhi, Ittisha collaborated with the Northeast Waste Collective to pioneer a community-driven waste management system. Embracing local traditions and innovative solutions, the project aimed to transform Sangti into a zero-waste village. This journey wasn't without challenges — from securing community involvement to facing pandemic disruptions — but the villagers' resilience and the leadership of local women and self-help groups made all the difference.

Today, Sangti’s residents dedicate three days a month, aligned with the Buddhist lunar calendar, to manage waste effectively. With designated cleanup days and a structured waste segregation system, the village has seen significant progress. Through the efforts of Ittisha, the Northeast Waste Collective, and the community, Sangti stands as a beacon of sustainable living, balancing development with environmental stewardship.

The success of the project highlights the importance of local engagement and the power of collective action. As tourism continues to grow in the region, Sangti’s model serves as an inspiring example for other communities, proving that with commitment and community spirit, sustainable change is achievable.