When you think of a clean and green place, what comes to mind? A futuristic city with high-tech waste management? Maybe a well-manicured park in an urban neighbourhood? Surprisingly, some of the cleanest, most sustainable places in India aren’t in big cities — they’re in villages. In these small communities, people have come together to build a way of life that’s not just clean but also deeply connected to nature.

They’ve banned plastic, embraced eco-friendly farming, and made cleanliness a daily habit — not because anyone told them to, but because they believe it’s the right thing to do. Here are five villages that are proving that real change starts at home—one clean street, one recycled plastic bottle, and one community effort at a time.

1. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Tucked away near the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, Mawlynnong has earned its reputation as Asia’s cleanest village. But it’s not just about spotless streets—cleanliness here is a way of life, and it’s backed by an incredible 93.71% literacy rate.

How they did it

• A plastic-free mindset: Mawlynnong enforces a strict plastic ban. Instead of letting plastic pile up, villagers find ways to repurpose it — no burning, no toxic fumes.

• Cleanliness as a daily habit: Every villager here takes active responsibility to clean their surroundings. With teasel brooms in hand, they sweep away every last leaf.

• Sustainable construction: Local materials are used for construction to keep the village’s carbon footprint low, while every available space is cultivated for vibrant flowers, adding to its natural charm.

• Improved sanitation: To combat open defecation, Mawlynnong built both public and private toilets, making sanitation a priority for all.

2. Baghuwar, Madhya Pradesh

In the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district, Baghuwar has set an incredible example of how a village can take charge of........

© The Better India