Social Education and Development Society: Waste Policy Advocacy

Welcome!

SEDS, the Social Education and Development Society, was founded in 1980 by Rajen Joshua and Manil Jayasena as a grassroots development NGO, motivated by the desire to help the poorest of the poor in the drought-prone area of Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh. In the early days, the main focus of the work was on community development by way of non-formal education and small loans to skilled target communities like cobblers, basket weavers, blanket weavers and others.

As Anantapur is the second most drought prone area in India and much of its natural resources are depleted, it soon became clear that environmental problems would have to be tackled first, if peoples’ livelihoods were to be made sustainable. Starting in 10 villages near the small town of Penukonda a scheme of pioneering work was developed which aimed to empower local communities and improve their environment. Initially small nurseries were started for homestead plantations and planting of avenue trees along village roads. Re-a-forestation and more sustainable agricultural practices were introduced. From 1990, SEDS started using a more participatory approach, through the formation of Community Based Organizations. Involving the communities more in the effort made them actual stakeholders in the development process of the region. Throughout the years the scope and area of the work increased and the fruits of the sustained efforts became visible in the greener environment and the enthusiasm of the communities.

Today, SEDS is working through an integrated rural development approach with an emphasis on women’s empowerment, watersheds, re-a-forestation and natural resource management. This is within five Mandals in the southern part of Anantapur District, in south western Andhra Pradesh namely, Penukonda, Roddam, Gorantla, Somandepalli and Chilamathur. In these 5 mandals SEDS currently supports 125 villages, being some 12000 women and their families, 980 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 120 Village Organisations (VOs) & 5 Mandal Samakyas (MMSs) .

Through its sustained efforts SEDS has made a significant impact on the lives of the people in the area and the local environment. The SEDS slogan “Towards a greener tomorrow” has become a reality.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Waste Policy Advocacy

On Thursday 29^th of July SEDS and the community conducted a plastic awareness rally in Penukonda. During the monthly meetings with the Village Health Workers (VHWs) women were voicing their frustrations on the ongoing pollution caused by plastic. Although people recognize that plastic waste is a problem, only a few will take up any action to do something about the problem. So in cooperation with the women SEDS decided to bring the issue forward and raise awareness in the community.

The complaint is that everywhere there is plastic waste. Plastic bags, cups, slippers, bottles and covers are carelessly thrown away by people and cause many grievances. Animals are eating the waste and dying. Water stagnates in the plastic making it the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drainage systems get clogged because of the plastic and waste water will be flowing in the streets during rains. Then there is of course the visual pollution caused by the waste. Then there is the rather ominous solution of burning the waste causing air pollution.

The demands of the women are simple. Awareness must spread among the people. In the villages the Panchayat must organise rallies to educate the people to stop using unnecessary plastic. Also they are looking to make policy changes. Panchayats should be able to penalise people who just throw their waste on the street and proper disposal grounds for this waste should be provided. Another suggestion is that linkages must be sought and built for generating an income from this household waste. People can earn a living by segregating waste which can be sold off to recycling centres.

Marching through Penukonda

For the rally nearly 200 women came to Penukonda, VHWS and VO leaders. Together with our staff they marched to the offices of the Revenue Divisional Officer, the Mandal Revenue Officer, the District Panchayat Officer and Secretary and the Circle Inspector. Also letters were written to the Agricultural Minister, the District Collector, the District Medical Officer of Anantapur, the Project Director of DRDA and the Sanitary Inspector of Penukonda.

The Revenue Divisional Officer

The Divisional Panchayat Officer

The Circle Inspector

All the government officials showed great interest in the initiatives and proposals and promised to follow it up with the people.

The Revenue Divisional Officer agreed to a meeting after the tenth of next month with the women.