SHIMLA, 28, October, 2026,
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 learning’s. 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.
Vikramaditya Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Public Works Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh, said:
“Our focus is on helping municipal leaders turn local priorities into action. By connecting training with implementation support, this state-wide effort will strengthen their capacity to deliver on the ground. The learnings can also inform other states facing similar challenges.”
BP Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer, Hindustan Unilever Limited, said:
“At HUL, we believe that what is good for India is good for HUL. A circular economy is hugely supported by strong municipal systems, active citizen participation and collaborative efforts. Through Project Circular Bharat, we help bring these elements together with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to support locally relevant solutions and generate learnings that can be applied more widely.”
