The Cost of Building the Cleanest Village: Give Me Water and Power, and I Will Give You a Cleaner and Greener Tripura

Dr. Dustin Lalkulhpuia

May 31, 2024, 11:29:54   

Deep in the remote Jampui Hills of Tripura, nestled at an altitude of 800 meters, lay the villages of Vanghmun and Behliangchhip. These are no ordinary settlements – they are beacons of cleanliness, shining examples of what can be achieved when a community comes together, driven by a shared sense of purpose and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

While the Indian government's Swachh Bharat campaign has been a catalyst for change across the nation, these villages have taken the initiative to a whole new level, largely through the efforts of local NGOs, churches, and the unwavering spirit of cooperation that permeates every aspect of village life.

 

At the heart of this remarkable story lies the hive hypothesis, a theory posited by moral psychologist Jonathan Haidt that suggests human beings have evolved to be "super cooperators," thriving in groups that transcend individual self-interest for the greater good. The story of these two villages is not merely a matter of aesthetics or civic pride; it is a manifestation of a deeper truth – that human beings are, at their core, cooperative creatures, capable of transcending individual limitations to create a better world for all.

 

As one walks through the pristine streets of Vanghmun and Behliangchhip, it becomes clear that these villages are more than just physical spaces — they are living embodiments of the hive hypothesis, demonstrating the incredible potential of human cooperation and collective action. Here, the lines between individual and community interests have blurred, replaced by a shared mission to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all. The efforts of the YMA, the churches, and the villagers themselves exemplify the power of cooperation, transcending the limitations of individual self-interest and showing what can be achieved when people unite for a common purpose.

 

The Driving Force: NGOs and Churches

 

In Vanghmun and Behliangchhip, the mantle of environmental stewardship has been taken up not solely by the government, but by a coalition of dedicated NGOs and churches. Chief among these is the Young Mizo Association (YMA), a voluntary organization that has been at the forefront of promoting cleanliness and environmental protection through its annual campaigns.

 

The YMA and the Church's efforts extend far beyond mere awareness-raising. They have taken a hands-on approach, mobilizing the entire community – from the elders to the youth – in a collective effort to keep their villages pristine. Guided by the principles of cooperation and shared responsibility, the YMA has instilled a deep sense of ownership and pride among the villagers, transforming cleanliness into a way of life.

 

The Church’s impact goes even deeper. Recognizing the importance of shaping young minds, the organization has taken an innovative approach by incorporating environmental education into the ‘Sunday School’ curriculum. Here, the teachings of Christ are seamlessly interwoven with lessons on the importance of cleanliness and environmental protection, fostering a generation of responsible stewards from a tender age.

 

In these predominantly Christian villages, the church has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the message of cleanliness and environmental stewardship. By contextualizing these values within the framework of their faith, the church has created a powerful resonance that extends far beyond mere compliance with civic regulations. Sermons and teachings emphasize the importance of respecting God's creation, drawing parallels between spiritual purity and the cleanliness of one's surroundings. The younger members of the church, known as the Baptist Naupang Pawl, Salvation Army YP, etc. are guided by their elders, learning that their actions have a direct impact on the well-being of their community and the preservation of the natural world around them.

 

This holistic approach has borne fruit, as the villagers proudly proclaim sayings like, “How you dispose of your garbage reflects who you are.” Cleanliness has become a mark of civilized behavior, and littering or improper waste disposal is viewed as not just an environmental offense, but a violation of the values that bind the community together.

It Cost Too Much to be Clean

Despite their unwavering commitment to cleanliness, the villages of Vanghmun and Behliangchhip face significant challenges, chief among them being water scarcity. While the average urban Indian consumes around 135 liters of water per day, and rural areas average around 71 liters, the residents of these hilltop villages make do with a mere 20-25 liters per person daily.

 

The government's efforts to address this issue have been hampered by poor water sources, low-quality technology, and intermittent electricity supply. Yet, remarkably, the villagers have found a way to maintain their high standards of cleanliness, even in the face of such adversity.

 

Rainwater harvesting has emerged as a viable solution, with villagers collecting and storing every precious drop to meet their daily needs. However, this practice alone is not enough to sustain their efforts, and the people of Vanghmun and Behliangchhip have had to make significant personal sacrifices, investing in water storage tanks, inverters, and generators to ensure a consistent supply.

 

Waste management is another area where the villages have taken matters into their own hands. In Behliangchhip, the YMA and Village Council have raised funds to establish a dedicated dumping site, although these locally established sites are not scientifically designed, the locals have done their best with the resources at hand. Every household contributes to this effort, either disposing of their waste directly or hiring someone to transport it to the designated site.

 

In Vanghmun, a similar system is in place, with the YMA collecting donations from villagers to hire vehicles that collect and transport waste on a weekly basis. This initiative not only keeps the village clean but also generates employment opportunities for local youth. "This is being done solely out of voluntary effort."

 

Give Me Water and Power, and I will give you a Cleaner and Greener Tripura:

 

The efforts of the villagers and their NGO partners have been remarkable, yet greater government support is essential for the long-term sustainability of these initiatives. By addressing the water crisis and providing reliable, clean water sources, the government can significantly reduce the villagers' burden and allow resources to be directed towards other aspects of environmental preservation. If the government can solve the water crisis in this area, the people can, in turn, maintain a cleaner environment for the government.

 

Additionally, the government can streamline waste management by employing and paying individuals to collect and transport waste regularly. This would create a more efficient system and remove the financial burden on villagers who currently contribute to this cause.

 

Providing adequate dustbins, particularly in market areas, and distributing segregation bags to each household would enhance the waste management process, ensuring proper sorting and environmentally responsible disposal.

 

It is crucial to note that, despite the excellent cooperation among the villagers, the cost of maintaining cleanliness in Jampui Hill is very high. Proper electric and water supplies could greatly alleviate this issue. Villagers currently spend significant amounts of their own money on water, inverters, generators, and other necessities to achieve their cleanliness goals.

 

The efforts of the NGOs and Churches in this cleanest village (GP) of Tripura are truly commendable, but they cannot sustain these initiatives alone. It is imperative that the government extends its support by providing the necessary resources, infrastructure, and personnel to ensure that these villages remain beacons of cleanliness and environmental sustainability.          

   (Tripurainfo)