When you think of a clean and green place, what comes to mind? A futuristic city with high-tech waste management? Or perhaps a well-manicured park in an urban neighborhood? Surprisingly, some of the cleanest, most sustainable places in India aren’t found 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 proving that real change starts at home—one clean street, one recycled plastic bottle, and one community effort at a time.
1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya: Asia’s Cleanest Village
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, backed by an impressive 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 takes active responsibility to clean their surroundings. With brooms in hand, they sweep every last leaf away.
- Sustainable Construction: Local materials are used for building to reduce the village’s carbon footprint, while flowers and greenery fill every available space.
- Improved Sanitation: To combat open defecation, Mawlynnong built both public and private toilets, making sanitation a priority for all.
2. Baghuwar, Madhya Pradesh: A Self-Sustained Clean Village
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.
How They Achieved It:
- Toilets for All: Baghuwar became open defecation-free (ODF) in 2007, years before the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Every home now has a toilet, with a community toilet complex built for public gatherings.
- Community Involvement: Cleanliness is a shared responsibility, with people actively participating in waste management and infrastructure projects.
- Smart Water Management: The village invested in rainwater harvesting and water recycling, improving groundwater levels and benefiting the local climate.
3. Sishunu, Nagaland: Tobacco-Free, Plastic-Free, and Proud
Sishunu village in Nagaland proves that a strong community can make big changes. The village isn’t just clean—it’s also completely tobacco-free and plastic-free, setting a high standard for sustainable living.
How They Achieved It:
- Tobacco-Free Initiative: The village completely banned the sale and consumption of tobacco products. A Tobacco Control Committee ensures strict compliance.
- Plastic Waste Management: Plastic use is strictly controlled, and waste is repurposed for road construction, turning pollution into opportunity.
- No Public Dumping: Waste segregation is mandatory, and littering comes with fines to ensure that everyone plays their part.
- Organic Farming: Sishunu’s farmers grow kiwi, bananas, oranges, and papayas using sustainable methods, proving that eco-friendly agriculture is both possible and profitable.
4. Thuruthikkara, Kerala: Kerala’s First Certified Green Village
In the Ernakulam district of Kerala, Thuruthikkara has set a benchmark in sustainability through the Oorja Nirmala Haritha Gramam project, an initiative focused on waste management, energy efficiency, and scientific farming.
How They Achieved It:
- Education and Awareness: The village ensured that all 349 families were educated on environmental issues through regular awareness sessions.
- Sustainable Waste Management: A plastic-free, e-waste-free, and filament-free approach includes biogas plants, solar cookers, LED bulbs, and kitchen bins for waste segregation.
- Strong Support System: Backed by organizations like the Haritha Keralam Mission and Energy Management Centre Kerala, the village received the necessary technical and logistical support.
5. Majuli, Assam: The Eco-Friendly Island Village
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 minimize their carbon footprint while keeping their surroundings pristine.
How They Achieved It:
- Bamboo Homes Built for the Future: The villagers rely on bamboo for construction, as it is sustainable, durable, and requires minimal energy to produce.
- A Community That Cleans Together: Cleanliness is a way of life in Majuli, with residents actively maintaining their surroundings.
- 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 guides their farming and daily practices, ensuring balance with the environment.
A Lesson for the Future
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.