Odisha village sustains cleanliness through community action
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Residents of Babeijoda, a tribal village in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India, have worked together for over 15 years to maintain a clean environment.
The initiative began with Madhusudan Marandi, a local schoolteacher, who motivated villagers to prioritize cleanliness as a daily practice. Around 70 families now sweep streets three times daily and separate their household waste, composting organic materials to reduce landfill contributions.
The village also prohibits single-use plastics and enforces rules against littering with small fines, encouraging accountability. Residents pooled their own funds to purchase dustbins, solar lights, and CCTV cameras, demonstrating their commitment to long-term sustainability without relying heavily on external funding. Babeijoda’s success comes from blending this practical approach with local culture, the village is home to Santhal and Ho tribal communities who practice traditional mud mural art, and a sense of shared responsibility.
The village shows that consistent effort and community ownership can create lasting improvements, but should not replace the need for support from public authorities in providing essential sanitation services.
