The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), in collaboration with ICLEI South Asia under the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)-funded CapaCITIES Phase III Project, conducted a series of Zonal Micro Trainings for sanitary inspectors, supervisors, and sanitary workers from 3-7 November 2025 across all four zones of Vadodara — East, West, North, and South. 

The initiative aims at improving the skills, efficiency, and safety awareness of frontline sanitation workers responsible for waste collection and transport, supporting the city’s goals for better solid waste management. The trainings conducted under the CapaCITIES Phase III Project support Vadodara’s solid waste management goals and align with national and state missions, including the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), NAMASTE Scheme, and the Nirmal Gujarat Abhiyan. They contribute to the city’s Net-zero Climate Resilient City Action Plan Strategy, especially its target of achieving 100% source segregation and efficient waste collection.

ICLEI South Asia developed and delivered the training modules, which covered essential topics such as waste segregation, route planning, personal hygiene, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), vehicle maintenance, and safe handling practices. 

The sessions were led by Sandeep Khasnavis, Senior Project Officer at ICLEI South Asia, who engaged participants through practical demonstrations and open discussions, allowing them to understand how to apply the practices in their daily work. More than 280 sanitation personnel participated in the training. The training generated a strong positive response from participants. Sanitary inspectors, supervisors, and sanitary workers gained a better understanding of segregation practices, safety procedures, and ground-level waste management techniques. Participants also expressed the need for such training to be conducted regularly and shared their commitment to applying the new practices in the field.

Through this initiative, the VMC and ICLEI South Asia continue to demonstrate their strong commitment to strengthening sanitation systems, improving working conditions, and advancing Vadodara’s vision of becoming a clean, safe, and sustainable city.