Hyderabad Collector opens Eco-Friendly Sanitary Napkin Incinerator in School
Hyderabad: In a significant step toward addressing menstrual health and hygiene in schools in Telangana and breaking the stigma around periods, Hyderabad Collector Anudeep Durishetty, inaugurated an eco-friendly sanitary napkin incinerator at Government School, Azampura No. 1, as part of an initiative by Youngistaan Foundation. The project, supported by Altimetrik India Private Limited under its CSR program in collaboration with the Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC), includes the installation of incinerators in five government schools in Hyderabad district and five schools in Ranga Reddy district to promote safe menstrual waste management.
As part of its “Menstrual Equity” project, Youngistaan Foundation is setting up incinerators, benefiting 2,500 girls annually across 10 government schools in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts. This initiative not only aims to provide safe disposal facilities for sanitary napkins, but also to reduce stigma surrounding menstruation through awareness and education programs.
Speaking at the event, Anudeep Durishetty said, “You are the future of this nation, the builders of a brighter tomorrow. Change begins with you—a single mindset, a single school, a single revolution. Menstrual hygiene is a natural process, and together we must break the stigma surrounding it. These incinerators at Government Azampura No.1 School ensure proper hygiene and environmental safety. By adopting these practices, Government Azampura No.1 school can become a role model for others.”
The program included a march-past by students, who welcomed the dignitaries and shared their learnings on menstrual health and the importance of safe disposal. Ten Health Clubs were formed in total, one club in each school, empowering students to lead conversations about menstrual health and hygiene and promote the use of the incinerators effectively. These ambassadors, along with two teachers from each school, and sanitation worker were recognized with ‘Proud Health Ambassador’ badges.
Yellamaty Arun Daniel Kumar, Founder and Director of Youngistaan Foundation, highlighted the program’s impact: “For the past six years, our Gender and Health program has educated over 10 lakh girls and women in Telangana on menstrual health. With the CSR support from Altimetrik India Private Limited, collaboration with TSIC and Government of Telangana, this initiative will prevent over 1,70,000 sanitary pads from ending up in landfills annually. We are also forming 10 Health Clubs in each school to sustain these conversations, enabling children to lead impactful discussions and create healthier communities.”
Speaking on the launch, CSR partner, Arun Kumar, CSR Chairperson, Head Product and industry Practice from Altimetrik India Private Limited expressed their commitment to the initiative: “Empowering young minds on menstrual health begins with providing them with the essential knowledge and resources. At Altimetrik, we take great pride in supporting the installation of sanitary pad incinerators across 10 government schools - a meaningful step in improving menstrual hygiene management. This initiative not only restores the dignity and confidence of young girls but also promotes a safer and more sustainable environment. Through these impactful initiatives, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering health, education, and equal opportunities, shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.”
