R-Day revolution: Remote village leads with green reforms

Nestled in the picturesque Pangi valley, residents of Bishthow-Vanwas- 01 village in Luj Panchayat, which shares borders with Jammu and Kashmir, have joined hands for environment conservation — banning use of disposal cups and plates in weddings and other social gatherings.

Upholding the ethos of participatory democracy, the villagers convened for their annual Praja Mandal meeting on Republic Day charting a path for environmental preservation and societal well-being, setting an example that resonates far beyond their remote location. The village Praja Mandal was split into two this year for effective implementation.

“The villagers embraced the motto “Eliminate Plastic, Save the Environment” with remarkable zeal and collectively decided to They collectively banned disposable items, including those used in weddings and celebrations,” said Amit Kumar, who heads the Praja Mandal. To ensure a sustainable shift, Kumar said, we have pooled Rs 1,45,690 to purchase steel utensils and other reusable items for community use.

The initiative underscores our commitment to protecting the environment while preserving cultural tradition, said another villager and secretary of Praja Mandal.

Further, pledging to combat deforestation and nurture biodiversity, Kumar said, every household committed to conduct plantation on government and forest land from March onwards.

These efforts will focus on fruit-bearing and other species beneficial to wildlife, creating a harmonious balance between human and ecological needs. The villagers see this not just as a duty but as a legacy for future generations, he said.

Apart from the initiatives for environment protection, the village council, in a bold step toward social reform, also decided to enforce a ban on beer and similar beverages at weddings and events. Offenders will face a Rs 10,000 fine, payable within two days.

The Praja Mandal, traditional village council system in Pangi—rooted in democratic principles—represent collective decision-making at its finest. These councils, comprising one representative from each family in the village, embody the spirit of participatory governance. They serve as platforms where villagers deliberate and decide on matters related to development, welfare, and community harmony.

In many areas, Praja Mandals have emerged as staunch protectors of natural resources. A notable example is their unanimous decision to curb the exploitation of forest resources within their jurisdiction. Recognising the ecological and economic importance of forests, the council resolved to ban activities such as excessive logging, illegal mining and overgrazing.

What makes this initiative particularly effective is the robust enforcement mechanism of the Praja Mandal. While the council’s decisions rely on collective consensus, non-compliance is met with strict social repercussions including heavy penalties.

This system ensures that community-driven conservation efforts are not only sustainable but also deeply rooted in local traditions and values.