When picturing a clean and green place, one might imagine a high-tech city with modern waste management systems or a well-maintained urban park. However, some of the cleanest and most sustainable places in India are actually small villages, where residents have embraced eco-friendly living.
These villages have banned plastic, adopted sustainable farming, and made cleanliness a daily habit—not due to external enforcement, but because they see it as a responsibility. Here are five villages that have set remarkable examples of sustainable living.
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya – Asia’s Cleanest Village
Located near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, Mawlynnong is widely recognized as Asia’s cleanest village. The community has prioritized cleanliness and environmental conservation as part of their daily lives.
Key Initiatives:
- Plastic-free living: A strict ban on plastic waste with a focus on repurposing materials.
- Community-driven cleaning: Every villager actively participates in keeping their surroundings clean.
- Eco-friendly construction: Homes and public spaces are built using local, sustainable materials.
- Sanitation facilities: A successful initiative to eliminate open defecation through widespread toilet construction.
2. Baghuwar, Madhya Pradesh – Early Adopter of Clean Village Initiatives
Baghuwar, in Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district, took proactive steps toward cleanliness long before national campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The village maintains spotless streets and has a well-planned underground sewage system.
Key Initiatives:
- 100% sanitation coverage: The village became open defecation-free in 2007, well before national efforts.
- Community participation: Residents take active roles in maintaining infrastructure and managing waste.
- Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting and water recycling have improved local water resources.
3. Sishunu, Nagaland – A Tobacco-Free, Plastic-Free Model Village
Sishunu village has taken sustainability a step further by eliminating tobacco and controlling plastic waste. The village’s transformation was funded by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Key Initiatives:
- Tobacco-free policy: Complete ban on tobacco sales and use, enforced by a local committee.
- Plastic management: Strict restrictions on plastic waste, with efforts to repurpose it for road construction.
- Sustainable farming: The village grows fruits and vegetables using organic methods.
4. Thuruthikkara, Kerala – Kerala’s First Certified Green Village
Thuruthikkara, in Ernakulam district, became Kerala’s first certified green village through the Oorja Nirmala Haritha Gramam project, which focused on waste management, energy efficiency, and water conservation
.
Key Initiatives:
- Awareness and education: Training sessions on environmental sustainability for all residents.
- Plastic-free and e-waste-free approach: Adoption of eco-friendly solutions like biogas plants, solar cookers, and LED lighting.
- Support from organizations: Government and research institutions provided technical and logistical assistance.
5. Majuli, Assam – A Sustainable Island Community
Majuli, the world’s largest river island, has pioneered eco-friendly living by adopting traditional yet sustainable practices.
Key Initiatives:
- Bamboo-based housing: Residents build durable, energy-efficient homes using renewable bamboo.
- Community-driven cleanliness: Regular participation in keeping the environment clean.
- Living in harmony with nature: The village follows the philosophy of Donyi Polo, emphasizing a balanced relationship with nature.
A Lesson for Urban India
These villages have proven that sustainability isn’t about government policies alone—it starts with individuals making conscious choices. By embracing responsible waste management, sustainable agriculture, and community-driven initiatives, they have set an example for cities to follow. A cleaner, greener future is possible when communities take ownership of their environment.
