Kochi: A small village in Mulanthuruthy panchayat is becoming a role model for the entire state in energy conservation and environment protection. Thuruthikkara, has become the first e-waste free and filament-free village. Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishat (KSSP) in association with various agencies and political parties has been implementing a series of programmes named Oorja Nirmala Haritha Gramam. All the conventional bulbs in households have been replaced with energy efficient LED or CFL lamps. The formal announcement of the filament-free village will be done by Anoop Jacob on December 7.
The village has also achieved the e-waste free status. District panchayat president Asha Sanil will make the formal announcement to this effect on Sunday. KSSP is organising regular classes on various topics including effective waste management, energy conservation methods and organic farming for all 349 families including 1600 residents. To promote organic farming using kitchen waste, more than 100 bio bins have been distributed. Vegetable seeds, saplings, grow bags, organic fertilizer, LED bulbs, kitchen bins, bio bins, biogas plant, eco-friendly bags to replace plastic carry bags, solar water heater, solar cooker and lighting system are being sold to villagers. A team from Cochin University of Science and Technology will visit the village to take a water sample from wells in households to assess its quality.
“We want to create a model development perspective which can be replicated anywhere in the state. Sustainable and eco-friendly development is possible through people’s participation. KSSP is willing to extend the programme to other areas if civic authorities are willing to support,” said A. Suresh of KSSP. The project is being implemented with the support of various agencies such as the Energy Management Centre Kerala, ANERT, Haritha Kerala Mission, Clean Kerala Mission, Suchitwa Mission, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara and the Integrated Rural Technology Centre.
