Erattayar Gram Panchayath in Idukki, Kerala, has earned national recognition for its innovative and successful waste management initiatives. The Economic Survey 2024-25, recently tabled in Parliament, highlighted Erattayar as a model of sustainable development and community empowerment. The survey emphasized the Panchayat’s comprehensive approach to waste management, encompassing door-to-door collection, resource recovery, and recycling. This strategy has positively impacted over 4,600 households and 500 institutions within the Panchayat. Notably, the initiative has created employment opportunities for around 30 women, providing them with a sustainable livelihood and an average monthly income of ₹10,000.
The journey towards this achievement wasn’t without its challenges. The Panchayat faced initial hurdles, such as difficulties in fee collection and infrastructure limitations. However, their resilience and commitment to improvement led them to overcome these obstacles. Enhanced training programs and strategic partnerships played a crucial role in refining waste management practices. A key partner in this success story is HDFC Bank, whose Parivartan program, implemented through MSSRF, provided critical support.
The project upgraded Panchayat’s centralized waste management unit, providing essential equipment like plastic baling machines, lifts, and safety materials for the Haritha Karma Sena. Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project also focused on community awareness programs and empowering Haritha Karma Sena members. This intervention dramatically increased efficiency, reducing the time to produce 5,000 kg of reusable plastic bales from 20 days to just 5, and boosting daily baling capacity to 700-1,000 kg. The streamlined process also reduced storage space needs by a third and simplified the overall workflow, ultimately leading to a substantial increase in the average income of Haritha Karma Sena members, from ₹8,000 to ₹20,000.
MSSRF’s involvement, from capacity building to technical guidance, has been essential in empowering the community and ensuring the project’s sustainability.
At the heart of this success story is the Haritha Karma Sena a dedicated team of 28 members. They are the driving force behind the efficient collection of user fees from approximately 85% of households and 90% of institutions, generating a monthly revenue of around ₹2.5 lakh. The collected materials are meticulously segregated and then sent to private agencies for further processing, ensuring a streamlined and effective waste management cycle.
Each month, the Panchayat successfully collects four tonnes of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste, adhering to a strict schedule. This initiative not only promotes cleanliness and environmental sustainability but also empowers women, fostering inclusivity and gender equality within the community.
The Erattayar Gram Panchayat’s model, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and empowerment, serves as an inspiring example for other communities across the nation striving for a greener and more equitable future. This recognition in the Economic Survey is a testament to the power of local initiatives and the positive impact they can have on a larger scale. The collective effort of the Erattayar Panchayat, the Haritha Karma Sena, and the Haritha Kerala Mission has truly transformed waste management into a resource for community development and environmental sustainability.