Tribal village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj becomes tourist marvel for its cleanliness model

A major problem amid the rapidly growing Odia economy, with most of the state’s towns and cities witnessing rapid growth, is waste management. Littering, piles of unpicked garbage, and lack of proper dispersal of waste is a growing concern that many urban administrative bodies of Odisha are grappling with.

Amid such a scenario, Bobeijoda, a village under the Bisoi block of the Mayurbhanj district stands out undisputedly. Home to about a hundred families, cleanliness is not simply a rule but a way of life for its residents.

Clean streets have become a tourist attraction:

Throughout the village, the streets are clean and free of scattered waste and with absolutely no plastic litter in sight. The spotless streets here are a result of a community dedicated to hygiene, where every resident actively participates in keeping their surroundings clean.

Dustbins are widely used, and maintaining hygiene has become second nature to the people here, making it a major attraction for tourists who visit here simply to marvel at the level of cleanliness.

“All of us residents work together to keep our village clean. Several tourists from far-off places arrive here and compliment us for keeping our surroundings so neat,” said Phulo Hansdaa, a resident of Bobeijoda.

Festive look comes with cleanliness:

The village takes another, even brighter and welcoming look during the festival of Pata Parba, with every corner reflecting the spirit of sanitation. To mark this occasion, the many mud and thatch houses are beautifully decorated with natural colours and everything from courtyards to roads, shines with cleanliness.

The Legacy of Cleanliness:

Fifteen years ago, the late teacher Madhusudan Marandi initiated a cleanliness movement in the village. Since then, the community has worked together to uphold this standard. The Santhali tribal community, known for its vibrant traditions and neat surroundings, has drawn visitors eager to witness their way of life and has set a benchmark for cleanliness, gaining recognition worldwide.

“We have continued the thought process brought forward by Marandi and will continue to practice this legacy of hygiene and cleanliness,” said another resident, Dukhi Shyam Hansda.