New Delhi, Nov 29 : Marking its 25th year of rural development, S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) was honored with the 8th ISC-FICCI Sanitation Award 2024 in the category ‘Best Non-Profit Engagement Model in Sanitation (Rural)’ at an event held at FICCI House.
This recognition celebrates SMSF’s innovative soak pit and soak well designs, which address wastewater management challenges and promote hygiene and cleanliness in rural areas. These initiatives align with the vision of Swachh Bharat and reaffirm the foundation’s dedication to sustainable rural development.
The award was presented by Mr. Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, and Sh. Jitendra Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation; Mr. Harsh Vardhan Aggarwal, President, FICCI; Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, Chair, and Ms. Natasha Patel, CEO, India Sanitation Coalition.
Mr. Salahuddin Saiphy, Principal Lead, Water Management; Ms. Pooja O. Murada, Principal Lead, Outreach for Development; and Ms. Priya Chaudhary, Assistant Program Lead, accepted the award on behalf of SMSF. In their remarks, they dedicated the achievement to rural communities and CSR partners, emphasizing their role in ensuring the project’s implementation and sustainability.
The SMSF Water Management Program focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater replenishment, reviving traditional water bodies, and promoting safe drinking water through cost-effective technologies. It also integrates WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) behavior change initiatives and provides training to build capacity among practitioners.
Since 1999, SMSF has worked across 13 states and 2,727 villages, positively impacting 5.27 million people. The foundation addresses critical issues like water security, food security, and community-led development, transforming lives through its initiatives in water management, agricultural development, and school-based programs.
For more details, contact : [email protected]
