Haritha Gramam project to be extended to more panchayats in Ernakulam now

KOCHI: The Haritha Gramam project successfully implemented by Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishat in association with other agencies in Thuruthikkara in Mulanthuruthy panchayat will now be extended to other villages in the nearby panchayats. The project is now being extended to Chottanikkara, Ramamangalam, Cheranalloor and Udayamperoor panchayats and in Eroor under Tripunithura municipality. Thuruthikkara which has been announced as the state's first Haritha Gramam (green village) by the State Haritha Keralam Mission is a self-sufficient model of a village. It has made remarkable progress in waste management, energy efficiency, water quality and environment conservation.

The project is being implemented in selected wards in the panchayats where feasible models of waste treatment and energy conservation will be introduced. Pipe composting units, kitchen bins, biogas plants and LED lamps will be distributed and awareness classes will be given to all families. "Following the success of the Haritha Gramam initiative in Thuruthikkara, several panchayat authorities and NGOs have contacted us seeking technical support in replicating the programme in their areas. KSSP is ready to extend support in implementing the programme with the support of the local body and other agencies," said Suresh A. of KSSP.

Thuruthikkara, which has 349 families with 1600 residents, has achieved unique tags like plastic waste-free, e waste-free and filament-free status. Recently, a students' team from the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, visited the village and prepared a report named 'Following Green Protocol' which stresses the need to replicate the model in other parts of the country.