A lesson in every village

We are so used to reading how small towns and villages become role models, be it cleanliness or becoming green or getting 10% literate. We read, we forget and get on with our lives. How come we never ever think of emulating these role models?

Take this small village from Kerala for instance. Meenangadi is a small village in the Wayanad district and since June’16 has been under a “greenery audit!” Yes , this land, with huge bio-diversity has been undertaking plant population census, conducting soil and energy audit, organic vegetable cultivation and awareness campaigns against plastic bags.

Why are they doing this? They have set for themselves the lofty target of 2020 – the year by which is aims to become first carbon-neutral panchayat. All in the village are involved and highly motivated, right from students, farmers, scientists and even the politicians there.  

The plan is to achieve this goal by expanding forest cover and reducing carbon emissions in Meenangadi. Tapping solar power, setting up an LED lamp manufacturing unit to supply energy-efficient lights to all homes, vegetable farming, use of eco-friendly carry bags, public awareness – all these measures are being undertaken.

Well, we urbanites will read this, praise them in our head and get on with our life. Wish we could really learn a few lessons from our Indian villages and villagers!