Pullampara Panchayat Wins National Recognition for Water Conservation Efforts

Pullampara Panchayat has made the district proud by winning the National Award for its outstanding work in the scientific utilization of natural water resources, as well as the protection of land and biodiversity. The panchayat has also set a new milestone, becoming the first village panchayat in Kerala to receive the 5th National Jal Shakti Award for Best Panchayat, securing the top position at the national level. The success of Pullampara's initiatives is largely credited to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), under which the Neerurav Project was implemented. Launched in 2021 as part of the Navakeralam Karma Padhathi, this project successfully integrated Agri Engineering and GIS technologies and was replicated across all panchayats in Kerala. One standout initiative is the completion of the Sajalam spring shed development project, which has become a model for similar water conservation efforts. The award committee recognized Pullampara’s remarkable achievement in increasing the water table, especially through the construction of approximately 600 ponds and recharging wells as part of the Kalarivanam afforestation project in the Vamanapuram river's fringe areas. In addition to its water conservation efforts, Pullampara has successfully utilized techniques like crop rotation in agriculture and related sectors. Numerous water conservation projects were also completed under the Neerdhara initiative in the Vamanapuram constituency, further cementing the panchayat's reputation for environmental sustainability. This award is a proud moment for the district and an indication of the dedication of the panchayat and its people in preserving natural resources for future generations.