Sustainability Expert
Pradnya Thakur
Advisor – Policy, Strategy, Sustainability, Climate, WASH
30+ years transforming environmental & social challenges into sustainable solutions. Award-winning expert in water management, waste management, and sustainable sanitation. Worked across 20+ countries.
Policy Strategy
Water Management
Sustainable Sanitation
Waste Management
Climate Consulting
SDG Implementation
Mrs. Pradnya Thakur
Advisor for Govt. & Pvt. Projects
30+
Years Experience
15+
National & International Awards
20+
Countries Worked
100+
Projects Completed
About Me
Climate Leader & Sustainability Expert
With over 3 decades of experience in WASH and sustainability. I have dedicated my career to creating innovative solutions and a strong policy framework with gender mainstreaming.
- Professional Summary
I translate water, sanitation, and sustainability challenges into strategic policies, practical programs, and measurable community impact.
For 30+ years, I have worked across the SAARC region from communities designing their own solutions to cities integrating sustainability governance to governments adopting proven models. My work is guided by a simple belief: environmental and social challenges are interconnected. Water security connects to sanitation access, which connects to waste management, which connects to livelihood opportunity, which connects to social inclusion.
I don’t create projects that fail without external support. I build solutions that communities own and maintain. I measure outcomes rigorously. I design frameworks that scale. And I stay engaged through implementation—ensuring impact lasts for decades, not just project duration.
- Education
M.Sc. (Botany)
M. J. College, Jalgaon
North Maharashtra University
1993
1st Class
- Key Certifications
- Certificate course on wastewater management from Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi in 2006
- Ecosan Training Course by gtz, ttz, ESF, IWWA at Nashik in 2007 as Train of Trainer and Moderator
- Diploma Course on Decentralized Wastewater Treatment from Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway in 2008
- Certificate program on Leadership Management for Women Entrepreneurs funded by Goldman Sachs, USA, and organized by ISB, Hyderabad, and SIIB, Pune, in 2012.
- Train of Trainer Certificate Course on Solid Waste Management, from GIZ in 2013
- Train the Trainer Certificate Course by Australian Institute of Water Management in 2020
- Certificate course of AdA trainer, by Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and German ADA Institution, online course in 2021
- Advance certificate course on Management studies sponsored by Goldman Sachs and ISB 2022
- Advance Certificate Course on Finance for Growth by Indian Institute of Management Bangalore sponsored by Goldman Sachs in 2024
- Core Expertise
- WASH: Water and Sanitation
Rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and aquifer management systems
100+ projects implemented
- Waste Management
Water security, Rainwater harvesting urban and rural, Sanitation—toilet facility, grey and black water treatment, Waste management.
- Urban: Segregation, Capacity building, community ownership
- Rural: segregation, composting at HH level / community level
Urban & rural implementations
- Sustainable Sanitation
Policy: Strategy, Policy at ULB level, State and center level, and SARC forum
International expertise
- Social
- Capacity building,
- Trainings,
- Mass campaign,
- School education.
- Gender mainstreaming,
- livelihood
Key visionery
- Global Impact
SAARC Region
East Africa & Southeast Asia
International Platforms:
- Germany (GIZ partnerships, forums)
- Sweden (SEI – Stockholm Environment Institute)
- Switzerland (SEECON – sanitation networks)
- Norway (development programs)
- USA (Arizona University, Goldman Sachs, policy forums)
- China (Guangzhou innovation platforms)
Platform Leadership:
- SACOSAN Committee Member (South Asian sanitation coordination – India & Sri Lanka)
- SARNET Member (SARC Rainwater Network – regional water security)
- NAREDCO Sustainability Core Committee (real estate sector ESG)
- IWWA Fellow (Indian Water Works Association)
- Business France Jury Panel Member (innovation assessment)
- Memberships
National & International Memberships
Life Member—NAREDCO MAHI
Core Committee Member - Sustainability for NAREDCO
National Lead—Nirmal Jal Prayas for NAREDCO MAHI
Fellow Member - Indian Water Works Association
Member - SARNET (SARC Rainwater Harvesting Forum)
Was on Jury Panel - Business France in INDIA for Sustainability & Climate Business
Was on organising committee member of SACOSAN India 2008 and Sri Lanka 2009
- Languages
Marathi
100%
English
95%
Hindi
90%
Featured Projects
Transformative Projects & Global Impact
Showcasing key projects that have created lasting environmental and social impact across communities, cities, and countries.
100+
Projects Completed
15+
Countries
1M+
Lives Impacted
50+
Organizations
- Navi Disha - Community Led Sanitation
Sanitation
- Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation
- 2022-Present
- Maharashtra, India
Developed and implemented a community-led sanitation model with comprehensive strategy, implementation, and monitoring framework.
Key Impact:
- Community engagement model
- Monitoring framework
- Award-winning project
Community Development
Sanitation
Policy Framework
- Water Digest Award 2022
- Guangzhou Urban Innovation Award 2023
- Guangzhou Urban Innovation Project
Climate
- Palladium Consulting India
- 2023
- China/India
International urban innovation project that received recognition at the Guangzhou Urban Innovation Awards.
Key Impact:
- International recognition
- Urban sustainability
- Cross-border collaboration
Urban Planning
Innovation
International
- Guangzhou Urban Innovation Award 2023
- Rainwater Harvesting Initiative
Climate
- Shashwat Eco Solution Foundation
- 2010-Present
- Pune & District
Implemented 50+ rainwater harvesting projects across Pune city and district under various CSR initiatives.
Key Impact:
- 50+ projects completed
- Water security enhanced
- Community awareness
Water Conservation
CSR
Community Impact
- UNESCO Award for Water Contribution
- Green Village Development
Waste Management
- Shashwat Eco Solution Foundation
- 2011-Present
- 4 States, India
Comprehensive village development with integrated schools, ecological DEWAT systems, plantation, and composting.
Key Impact:
- 15 villages transformed
- Integrated approach
- Sustainable development
Rural Development
Education
Waste Management
- Multiple State Recognition
- Pandharpur Sanitation Plan
Sanitation
- MPCB & GIZ
- 2007-2011
- Maharashtra, India
Comprehensive sanitation plan for the holy city including techno-economic feasibility study, DPR preparation, and stakeholder consultation.
Key Impact:
- Pilgrimage city transformation
- International collaboration
- Technology integration
Religious Tourism
Sanitation
Policy Development
- GIZ Excellence Recognition
- Mahabaleshwar Solid Waste Management
Waste Management
- Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council
- 2010-2015
- Maharashtra, India
Comprehensive solid waste management policy and strategy resulting in Vasundhara Award and Presidential Award.
Key Impact:
- Vasundhara Award
- Presidential Award
- Model for other cities
Waste Management
Policy
Award Winning
- Presidential Award for Excellence
- Interested in Collaboration?
Let’s work together to create sustainable solutions for environmental challenges in your community or organization.
Awards & Recognition
Excellence Recognized Globally
International and national recognition for outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability, water management, and social impact across multiple decades.
- Women Contribution in Water Sector Award
National
- NAREDCO MAHI, Delhi
- 2024 & 2025
Recognized for outstanding contribution to water sector development and women leadership in environmental sustainability.
- National Recognition
- Guangzhou Urban Innovation Award
International
- Guangzhou, China
- 2023
Received on behalf of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Palladium Consulting India for innovative urban solutions.
- International Award
- Water Digest Water Award
National
- Water Digest & UNESCO
- 2022
Honored for Navi Disha Project implementation on behalf of Palladium Consulting India Pvt Ltd.
- National Recognition
- UNESCO Award - Women Contribution in Water Sector
International
- UNESCO & Water Digest
- 2019-20
National level recognition for exceptional contribution to water sector and sustainable development.
- International Award
- Phoenix Leading Lady Award
Regional
- Phoenix Foundation
- 2019
Awarded for ‘Social Change – Sanitation’ recognizing leadership in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Social Impact Award
- Presidential Award for Mahabaleshwar Council
National
- Government of India
- 2015
Contributed to Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council receiving the Presidential Award for excellence in Solid Waste Management.
- Presidential Recognition
- Vasundhara Award
State
- Government of Maharashtra
- 2014
Instrumental in Mahabaleshwar Council receiving the Vasundhara Award for environmental excellence.
- State Award
- Recognition Impact
These awards represent not just personal achievement, but the collective impact of sustainable environmental solutions affecting millions of lives globally.
15+
Major Awards
5+
International Recognition
10+
National Awards
30+
Years of Excellence
Services & Expertise
Comprehensive Solutions for Environmental Challenges
Offering end-to-end environmental consulting services with proven expertise across water management, waste management, policy development, and sustainable development.
- Water Management Solutions
Water
Comprehensive water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable water management systems for urban and rural areas.
Key Services:
- Rainwater harvesting system design
- Water conservation strategy development
- Aquifer management and recharge
- Water quality assessment and monitoring
- Greywater treatment and reuse systems
- 50+ Projects
- Waste Management Systems
Waste
Innovative solid and liquid waste management solutions with focus on circular economy and zero waste principles.
Key Services:
- Solid waste management planning
- Segregation and collection systems
- Composting and organic waste processing
- Plastic waste reduction strategies
- Industrial waste management
- 100+ Implementations
- Sustainable Sanitation
Sanitation
Ecological sanitation solutions including DEWATS, decentralized wastewater treatment, and innovative sanitation technologies.
Key Services:
- Ecological sanitation system design
- DEWATS implementation
- Community toilet management
- Sludge management solutions
- Public sanitation policy development
- Multi-country Experience
- Policy & Strategy Development
Policy
Expert advisory services for environmental policy formulation, strategy development, and regulatory framework design.
Key Services:
- Environmental policy development
- Sustainability strategy formulation
- Regulatory framework design
- Stakeholder consultation processes
- Impact assessment and monitoring
- Government & Corporate
- Municipal Consulting
Urban
Specialized consulting for municipal corporations and urban local bodies on sustainable city development and management.
Key Services:
- Smart city development planning
- Municipal waste management systems
- Urban sustainability frameworks
- Citizen engagement strategies
- Performance monitoring systems
- Multiple Cities
- Community Development
Community
Integrated community development programs focusing on environmental awareness, capacity building, and sustainable practices.
Key Services:
- Community awareness programs
- Capacity building workshops
- Participatory planning processes
- Local leadership development
- Behavior change interventions
- Village & Urban Communities
- Green Education Programs
Education
Comprehensive environmental education and green school development programs for educational institutions.
Key Services:
- Green school model development
- Environmental curriculum design
- Teacher training programs
- Student leadership initiatives
- Campus sustainability planning
- Multiple Schools
- International Consulting
International
Cross-border environmental consulting and collaborative project implementation across multiple countries.
Key Services:
- International project coordination
- Cross-cultural team management
- Technology transfer facilitation
- Capacity building programs
- Knowledge sharing platforms
- 15+ Countries
- Other Services
Overall
Five services. One integrated approach: community ownership, measurable outcomes, sustainable impact.
Key Services:
- Advocacy & Community Leadership
- Sustainability & Circular Economy
- WASH at Scale (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene)
- Training & Capacity Building
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our services directly contribute to achieving multiple UN SDGs, creating measurable impact on global sustainability targets and improving lives worldwide.
SDG 3
Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4
Quality Education
SDG 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7
Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12
Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13
Climate Action
SDG 14
Life Below Water
SDG 15
Life on Land
SDG 17
Partnerships for the Goals
Assessment & Strategy
Comprehensive needs assessment and strategic planning tailored to specific challenges and contexts.
Implementation
Hands-on implementation with community engagement, stakeholder coordination, and technical excellence.
Monitoring & Scale
Continuous monitoring, impact assessment, and scaling successful models to broader communities.
- Ready to Transform Your Environmental Impact?
Partner with us to develop sustainable solutions that create lasting positive change for your organization and community.
Get In Touch
Let's Create Sustainable Solutions Together
Ready to transform your environmental challenges into opportunities? Let’s discuss how we can work together to create lasting positive impact.
- Why Choose Me
1000+
Clients Served
50+
Organizations
24hrs
Response Time
15+
Countries
- Service Areas
- Environmental Policy Development
- Water Management Systems
- Waste Management Solutions
- Sustainable Sanitation
- Government Consulting
- Community Development
- Green Education Programs
- International Consulting
- Training
- Office Hours
Available for consultations and project discussions
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST
Saturday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM IST
Emergency
24/7 for urgent projects
Download My CV
Get detailed information about my experience, qualifications, and achievements.