Punjab, June 20, 2026: PepsiCo India, in partnership with the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS), Punjab, and Participatory Learning and Action Network (PLAN) Foundation, has expanded Project Purna in Sangrur district to strengthen community-led waste management systems and promote sustainable Swachh Gaon models.
The Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) initiative builds on the success of a pilot project launched last year in Kapial, Batriana, and Akbarpur villages. The programme will now extend to Channo and Sangheri villages, covering more than 3,300 property units and benefiting over 16,000 residents across five villages.
According to the project partners, the initiative aims to divert more than 330 metric tonnes of waste from landfills, professionalize and engage over 57 waste workers, and operationalize six waste management units. The project focuses on source segregation, decentralized waste management, and livelihood enhancement for sanitation workers.
The expansion was formally launched at the Panchayat Office and Library in Channo village. The event was attended by government officials, Panchayati Raj representatives, sanitation workers, community members, and school students. Key dignitaries included Smt. Poonamdeep Kaur, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur; Smt. Manjit Kaur, PCS, SDM, Bhawanigarh; Mr. Manoj Malhotra, Superintending Engineer (DWSS) & Director Sanitation, Punjab; Mr. Gurdarshan Singh, Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Bhawanigarh; and Ms. Antara Kapoor, Social Impact Lead, PepsiCo India.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Poonamdeep Kaur, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur, said, “Solid and liquid waste management remains one of the most pressing challenges facing rural communities today. Appreciate PepsiCo for stepping forward to support the Solid Waste Management programme and commend PLAN India for its dedicated efforts in implementing Project Purna. The initiative has helped establish a more organized system for waste collection and management in the village. While infrastructure and systems are important, sustained success depends on community participation and the adoption of source segregation practices. Recognizing Project Purna’s potential to serve as a model for other villages, we call upon residents, Panchayat members, and local institutions to actively support the initiative and work collectively towards building cleaner, healthier, and environmentally sustainable communities.”
Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, "At PepsiCo India, we believe meaningful environmental change starts at the community level. Project Purna reflects our ‘Partnership of Progress’ approach, bringing together communities, local authorities, and partners to strengthen waste management and drive circularity on the ground. Building on the positive outcomes we’ve seen in other regions, we are confident that the launch of Project Purna in Sangrur will support community-led solutions that create lasting environmental and social impact. Our focus remains on building scalable models that encourage long-term behaviour change, strengthen circular systems, and support resilient livelihoods at the last mile.”
Mr. Bhuwan Kapri, Project Manager, PLAN Foundation, added, “Strong partnerships between communities, Panchayats, government departments, and the private sector is important in building sustainable waste management systems. Continued community ownership and institutional support will be critical to achieving the project's long-term goals and creating replicable Swachh Gaon models across Punjab.”
As part of the launch, waste segregation bins and safety kits were distributed to sanitation workers, while pedal and e-rickshaws were flagged off to improve door-to-door waste collection. A plantation drive and student awareness activities on environmental sustainability were also organised during the event.
Project Purna aims to create scalable rural waste management models that combine environmental sustainability, community participation, and livelihood generation in Punjab’s villages.
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