Chekkapalli Village Champions Green Practices
Steel Bank replaces plastic utensils, generates organic fertiliser from waste
KARIMNAGAR: The villagers of Chekkapalli in Vemulawada Rural mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district, are setting a remarkable example in environmental conservation. United in purpose, the entire village has come together to ban plastic, demonstrating a strong commitment to a greener future.
Located 7 km from the mandal headquarters and 21 km from the district headquarters, Chekkapalli comprises around 464 households and a population of 2,320, spread over 620 hectares of land.
The village has been generating organic fertiliser from waste, which is sold to local farmers, earning the Gram Panchayat a revenue of approximately ₹6,900 so far. To curb plastic usage, a dedicated committee was formed to implement and monitor preventive measures throughout the village.
For all events and functions, the use of plastic plates and glasses is strictly avoided. Instead, residents use steel utensils, which are provided free of charge by the Gram Panchayat through its innovative 'Steel Bank'.
The villagers, along with committee members, have ensured that all households, as well as the primary and high schools, are equipped with soak pits. With no open drainage systems, every home maintains its own soak pit. Local shops have also stopped selling plastic and now offer paper and cloth bags as alternatives.
Chekkapalli excels in both solid and liquid waste management. No waste is dumped in open areas or on roads, and water stagnation is prevented through strategically constructed soak pits across the village.
Two months ago, a Central government team visited Chekkapalli as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The team inspected the village’s initiatives, including compost sheds, soak pits, school toilets, and community sanitation facilities. Following the inspection, Chekkapalli was declared an Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus) village.
The village has been recognised as the Best Gram Panchayat in Rajanna Sircilla district three times, in 2020, 2021, and 2023, serving as a role model for other villages.
Panchayat secretary Gaddam Chandana credited the collective efforts of the villagers for the accolades. "It is the dedication and hard work of our people that helped Chekkapalli secure ODF Plus status and multiple Best Gram Panchayat awards. The community’s active participation in the Swachh Bharat Mission and Haritha Haram programmes, along with the successful construction of soak pits in every home, school, and office, has made Chekkapalli a model village in the district," she said, expressing her gratitude to the residents.
