Palghar’s Vanvasi Named ‘Star’ Village By EARTHDAY.ORG For Sustainable Environmental Initiatives

On the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG the largest environmental movement in the world has named Vanvasi a remote village in Palghar District, a "Star" village, for its exemplary environmental initiatives.

With support from Rotary Club of Bombay, donor Geeta Keshavan and project implementation partner Chirag Rural Development Foundation, Vanvasi has become a beacon of sustainable rural transformation.

The Star Village initiative recognizes outstanding community driven efforts in villages across India that have achieved a significant environmental impact. This remote village in Jawhar Taluk, Palghar District situated atop hills, comprises 120 families.

The Integrated Village Development Program of the Rotary Club of Bombay has significantly enhanced irrigation practices through the utilization of solar energy, enabling year-round irrigation. This has allowed the villagers to remain engaged in their villages and has mitigated urban migration.

They have begun cultivating cash crops like fragrant mogra and they have established nurseries for producing mango saplings for commercial purposes. Individual water filters and back up solar lights have been provided to every house.