Local bodies urged to plan projects with environment in mind

National Green Cops (NGC) district coordinator S. Guruvayurappan has urged local self-government institutions to plan all projects with environmentally friendly development in mind.

Speaking at a seminar organised by Chittur-Thattamangalam Municipality, he submitted a series of recommendations that would be binding for all local bodies.

He suggested that each local body set aside one-third of its land to conserve biodiversity and habitats, using existing protected areas and additional barren, fallow, private or underutilised government lands.

Road development should include planting trees, medicinal plants, and shrubs that benefit the public without causing disruption. Proper soil testing can ensure long-lasting roads while reducing the need for stone, sand and bitumen, he said.

‘Zero-waste’ villages

Projects should aim for ‘zero-waste’ villages, providing households with cloth bags and training students in eco-friendly practices. Organic waste can be converted into compost or biogas, while inorganic waste should be reused or collected. Strict measures and fines should control roadside litter, he said.

Mr. Guruvayurappan underscored promoting organic farming, mixed cropping, home gardening and fruit or medicinal gardens with incentives and recognition to encourage chemical-free, healthy food production.

Small forests and green spaces should be created across homes, gardens, farms and public areas to protect local flora and fauna. Indigenous trees like karimpana and sandalwood should be conserved alongside initiatives such as sacred groves, medicinal and butterfly gardens, riverside plantations and eco-tourism.

He said employment programmes should support village and urban forests, agriculture and environmental protection, while households engage in wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting. Local self-governments should also provide environmental education as a civic duty, promoting eco-friendly lifestyles, he said.