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When you think of a clean and green place, what comes to mind? A futuristic city with high-tech waste management? Maybe a well-manicured park in an urban neighbourhood? Surprisingly, some of the cleanest, most sustainable places in India aren’t in big cities — they’re in villages. In these small communities, people have come together to build a way of life that’s not just clean but also deeply connected to nature.
They’ve banned plastic, embraced eco-friendly farming, and made cleanliness a daily habit — not because anyone told them to, but because they believe it’s the right thing to do. Here are five villages that are proving that real change starts at home—one clean street, one recycled plastic bottle, and one community effort at a time.
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Tucked away near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, Mawlynnong has earned its reputation as Asia’s cleanest village. But it’s not just about spotless streets—cleanliness here is a way of life, and it’s backed by an incredible 93.71% literacy rate.
How they did it
- A plastic-free mindset: Mawlynnong enforces a strict plastic ban. Instead of letting plastic pile up, villagers find ways to repurpose it — no burning, no toxic fumes.
- Cleanliness as a daily habit: Every villager here takes active responsibility to clean their surroundings. With teasel brooms in hand, they sweep away every last leaf.
- Sustainable construction: Local materials are used for construction to keep the village’s carbon footprint low, while every available space is cultivated for vibrant flowers, adding to its natural charm.
- Improved sanitation: To combat open defecation, Mawlynnong built both public and private toilets, making sanitation a priority for all.
2. Baghuwar, Madhya Pradesh
In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district, Baghuwar has set an incredible example of how a village can take charge of its own cleanliness and sustainability. The villagers don’t just talk about cleanliness — they live it. Every day, they sweep the concrete streets, making sure their surroundings stay spotless. The village also has a well-planned underground sewage system, which plays a huge role in keeping hygiene levels high.
How they achieved it
- Building toilets for all: Baghuwar became open defecation-free (ODF) in 2007 — seven years before the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan made it a national priority. The village ensured every home had a toilet and even built a community toilet complex for public gatherings.
- Community involvement: Keeping the village clean is a shared responsibility here. From managing waste to building infrastructure, the people of Baghuwar actively participate in cleanliness efforts.
- Smart water management: Instead of relying only on external resources, the village invested in rainwater harvesting and water recycling. This has helped improve groundwater levels and even had a positive impact on the local climate.
3. Sishunu Village, Nagaland
Sishunu village in Nagaland is proof that a strong community can make big changes. The village isn’t just clean; it’s also tobacco-free and plastic-free, setting a high standard for sustainable living. Here, no tobacco products are allowed, and plastic waste is strictly controlled. And the best part? This transformation was made possible with the help of funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
How they achieved it
- Tobacco-free initiative: Sishunu completely banned the sale and consumption of tobacco products within the village. Smoking and chewing tobacco are prohibited in schools, offices, community halls, and even bus stops. A Tobacco Control Committee, made up of government officials, police, and village leaders, ensures that these rules are followed.
- Plastic waste management and disposal: Plastic use and public disposal are strictly banned. The village council actively enforces this, encouraging residents to switch to sustainable alternatives. But they didn’t stop there — plastic waste is now being repurposed for road construction, helping to reduce plastic pollution while improving infrastructure. A problem turned into an opportunity!
- No more public dumping: Littering isn’t just frowned upon — it comes with consequences. Strict rules prevent garbage dumping in public spaces, and waste segregation is mandatory. Those who don’t follow the rules face fines, ensuring that everyone plays their part in keeping the village clean.
- Farming the green way: Beyond cleanliness, Sishunu is also leading the way in sustainable farming. The village grows kiwi fruits, bananas, oranges, pomegranates, and papayas using organic farming methods, proving that eco-friendly agriculture is both possible and profitable.
4. Thuruthikkara, Kerala
In the Ernakulam district of Kerala, Thuruthikkara has set a benchmark in sustainability, earning the title of the state’s first certified green village. This wasn’t an overnight achievement — it was the result of a well-planned initiative called the Oorja Nirmala Haritha Gramam project.
Launched by the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) in collaboration with local organisations, the project focused on waste management, energy efficiency, water security, and scientific farming.
How they achieved it
- Spreading awareness and education: Sustainability starts with knowledge. The village ensured that all 349 families were educated on environmental issues through regular awareness sessions. Experts from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) conducted training on safe drinking water practices, ensuring long-term water security.
- Sustainable waste management: Thuruthikkara embraced a plastic-free, e-waste-free, and filament-free approach. The village introduced eco-friendly solutions like biogas plants, solar cookers, LED bulbs, and kitchen bins for proper waste segregation, making sustainability a way of life instead of a task.
- Strong support system: More than just a community effort, this transformation was backed by several organisations, including the Haritha Keralam Mission, Energy Management Centre Kerala, and Suchitwa Mission. Their technical and logistical support played a crucial role in making Thuruthikkara a model for other villages to follow.
5. Majuli, Assam
Majuli, a breathtaking island in Assam’s Jorhat district, isn’t just known for its beauty — it is also a pioneer in innovative cleanliness practices. The people of Majuli have adopted eco-friendly practices that minimise their carbon footprint while keeping their surroundings pristine.
How they achieved it
- Bamboo homes built for the future: Majuli’s residents rely on bamboo to build their homes — not just because it’s traditional but because it’s one of the most sustainable materials available. Bamboo is renewable, durable, and requires minimal energy to produce, making it an ideal choice for an eco-friendly lifestyle.
- A community that cleans together: Cleanliness isn’t just a practice in Majuli — it’s a way of life. The residents take an active role in maintaining their surroundings, often seen sweeping and tidying up their environment.
- Living in harmony with nature: The people of Majuli follow the principle of ‘Donyi Polo’ — a belief that humans, animals, and nature are all interconnected. This philosophy is reflected in the way they farm, build, and interact with their land, ensuring that their lifestyle remains in balance with the environment.
India’s urban areas can take a leaf out of these villages’ book, using them as a blueprint for a cleaner, greener future. These communities didn’t wait for change—they became the change. Their success proves that sustainability isn’t about big policies alone but about people making conscious choices every day. When cleanliness and environmental care become a way of life, transformation follows.
Edited by Khushi Arora
