How Arunachal's Sangti Valley is becoming a model for Zero-Waste Living

Once struggling with unmanaged waste and plastic litter, Sangti village in West Kameng district has now transformed into a model zero-waste community, thanks to sustained grassroots efforts led by the North East Waste Collective (NEWC) and active participation from residents. The initiative began in 2018 when environmentalist Ittisha Sarah, founder of NEWC, visited the village and conducted its first cleanup drive. Moved by the pristine natural beauty of the region and the rising concern over plastic pollution, Sarah mobilised a handful of volunteers to begin what would become a long-term environmental transformation. By 2020, with Sangti preparing to host a local festival, NEWC proposed using the event as a platform to promote sustainable waste management practices. The community embraced the idea. Although progress was temporarily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective resolve of the villagers and the NGO remained intact. Over the years, the village adopted a fully community-led waste management system. Each household took responsibility for segregating and managing its own waste. Plastic usage was minimised, composting became common practice, and the village eliminated the need for dumping grounds. “What Sangti has shown is that lasting change comes from within. This is a powerful blueprint for sustainable, independent waste management,” said Ittisha Sarah, praising the community’s commitment. The transformation of Sangti into a zero-waste village is being hailed as a rare example of rural environmental leadership in the Northeast, offering hope and a replicable model amid growing concerns over waste and climate change. The NGO has also released a short video documentary showcasing Sangti’s journey from a litter-strewn settlement to a clean, self-sustaining village. #arunachalpradesh #sangtivalley #westkameng #arunachaltourism #northeastindia