1. Swachh Saarthi Fellow (2022)
In 2022, Smita Ahuja served as an expert reviewer for the Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship Program, initiated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India. The program encourages young citizens and community workers to create value from waste through innovative solutions, building a strong grassroots network of Swachhta Saarthis—waste warriors driving change on the ground. Smita mentored selected students and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across India for a year, guiding them on special Waste-to-Wealth projects implemented within their local communities.
2. Collaboration with ULB (Since 2018)
Since 2018, Smita Ahuja has been an active member of the Citizens Supervisory Committee (CSC) of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) for solid waste management. In this role, she has contributed significantly to developing frameworks and processes for city-wide waste management systems, ensuring greater accountability, efficiency, and citizen participation in the municipality’s sustainability initiatives.
3. Samadhaan Hub (2019)
Smita Ahuja played a key role in conceptualising and creating Samadhaan Hub in Gurgaon—India’s first-of-its-kind waste solutions centre, launched in 2019. Conceived as a community-driven space, the Hub encourages environmentally responsible waste management by showcasing practical and actionable solutions.
The Hub itself was designed sustainably—using repurposed and recycled materials, with pathways constructed from construction and demolition (C&D) waste. It includes an activity area, event space, and interactive displays that demonstrate eco-friendly practices citizens can adopt in daily life.
Samadhaan Hub is a joint initiative of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and iamgurgaon. It has become a well-recognised model for waste-conscious living, frequently visited by individuals and communities to recycle, reuse, or responsibly dispose of their waste. The initiative gained national visibility when it was featured in NDTV’s Swasth Banega India campaign on 2nd October 2020.
4. Sustainable Living Market (2019)
In 2019, Smita Ahuja launched Gurgaon’s first Sustainable Living Market, a monthly community event designed to make sustainable living both accessible and aspirational. The market featured 30 curated stalls offering recycled, upcycled, and eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products—connecting eco-conscious consumers directly with sustainable brands and creators.
Beyond being a marketplace, it became a vibrant community hub with fun activities, workshops, and family-friendly experiences. The Sustainable Living Market successfully turned sustainable choices into a lifestyle trend, making eco-friendly living “fashionable and cool” for the residents of Gurugram.
