Kumbalangi: First sanitary-napkin-free panchayat

January 13, 2022

Kumbalangi village in Cochin is all set to become India’s first sanitary-napkin-free panchayat.

Key Points

The village has previously won acclaim as India’s first model tourism village.
This move is a part of ‘Avalkayi’ initiative, which is being implemented in the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency, in association with “Thingal Scheme” of HLL Management Academy’s and Indian Oil Corporation.

Avalkayi Initiative

Under this initiative, menstrual cups will be distributed to women aged 18 and above in Kumbalangi village. 5000 menstrual cups will be distributed under it.

Model Village

In the same event, Governor will also declare Kumbalangi village as a model village. The model village project is implemented as a part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-SAGY)’. A new tourist information center will also be set up in the village.

About Kumbalangi

Kumbalangi is an island village, located in the outskirts of Kochi city of Kerala. It is a major tourist attraction and is famous for the Chinese fishing nets. It is situated amidst backwaters, about 12 km from the city center. The village is also the first eco-tourism village in India. The village is having an area of 16 km2 and is located about 15 km from Ernakulam Junction railway station. Cochin International Airport is around 40 kms from it.

What is the main occupation in Kumbalangi?

Main occupation in Kumbalangi is fishing. There are more than 100 Chinese nets in the backwaters, facing the village. Mangroves separate the land from the water, that provides a breeding ground for prawns, oysters, crabs, and small fishes. Kumbalangi is home to fishermen, toddy tappers, farmers, labourers, and coir spinners.

Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village project

This project seeks to transform the tiny island of Kumbalangi into a model fishing village and tourism spot. Project is being implemented by panchayat (village council) while state government is providing financial assistance. This project was started in 2003 to help the local people, economy and locality through tourism.

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