Kerala's Kumbalangi Is Set To Be India's First Sanitary-Napkin Free Village: How It Became One

Kumbalangi, which won acclaim as India’s first model tourism village, is set to become the country’s first sanitary-napkin-free panchayat.

The village in Ernakulam district will be the first-ever sanitary napkin-free village in the country. The achievement is part of a unique campaign underway in Ernakulam constituency.

About the unique initiative?

The initiative titled ‘Avalkayi’, meaning 'for her' is being implemented in the constituency, said Hibi Eden, MP, following a tie-up with HLL Management Academy’s ‘Thingal’ scheme and Indian Oil Corporation.?In this initiative, menstrual cups, a total of 5000 will be distributed to women aged 18 and above, Eden said.

Menstrual cups

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan declared the panchayat as napkin-free on Thursday. But the success story of the village doesn't end here, infact, this seems to be just the beginning.?

Village is also India's first model tourist village

The Governor has also declared Kumbalangi as India’s first model tourism village.?The model village project is implemented through Pradhan Mantri Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).?

One of the major attractions for tourists in Kochi, Kumbalangi, will also have a new tourist information center. It holds the title of India's first model tourist village too.

kerala tourism

What makes the village special?

In 2003, Kumbalangi was the first pick when the Kerala government selected a number of villages as part of its model village project. Situated 35 km away from Cochin International Airport, the village has nearly 1,20,000 residents – comprising fishermen, farmers, labourers, toddy tappers and coir spinners – and is surrounded by backwaters.

kumbalangi kerala

A ring of Chinese fishing nets literally encircles the island-village bearing witness to the rich aquatic life. An array of mangroves separates land from water and provides a breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fishes.

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