Formation and Structure of Haritha Karma Sena

Formation

Haritha Karma Sena was launched in October 2017 as a micro-initiative of Kudumbashree under the Nava Kerala Mission. It functions under the leadership of the Karumalloor Grama Panchayat Office in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission and Clean Kerala Company.

Members

The members are mainly Kudumbashree women, serving as Green Technicians and Supervisors. Each ward has a unit consisting of 3–5 members. They receive training in waste segregation, safe handling practices, and recycling techniques with support from ICDS and Clean Kerala Company.

Leadership

The activities of Haritha Karma Sena are supervised by a Task Force headed by the Panchayat Secretary, along with Kudumbashree coordinators who manage and monitor the operations.

Major Activities

Haritha Karma Sena plays a vital role in the solid waste management system of Karumalloor Panchayat. Special attention is given to waste management in paddy field areas and riverside (kadavu) regions.

Door-to-Door Waste Collection

• Collects non-biodegradable waste such as plastic, paper, glass, metal, and e-waste from households and institutions.
• Provides assistance for bio-enzyme preparation and composting of biodegradable waste.
• Collects approximately 500–700 kilograms of waste daily.

Waste Segregation and Transportation

• Collected waste is sorted at the Material Collection Facility (MCF).
• Segregated waste is then handed over to Clean Kerala Company for recycling and further processing.
• MCF units are established in key wards of the Panchayat, including the Karumalloor Central area.

Biodegradable Waste Management

• Provides technical support for installing soak pits and biodigesters in households.
• Promotes the production of organic manure suitable for the agricultural fields of the Panchayat.

Environmental Awareness and Promotion

• Conducts public cleaning drives and awareness campaigns on the 3R principles: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
• Organizes swap shops where people can exchange reusable items.
• Encourages the production and use of eco-friendly products such as cloth bags and paper bags.

Other Initiatives

• Implements the Green Protocol to minimize waste generation during public events.
• Supports repair units and organic farming services.
• Conducts cleaning drives in riverside areas, water bodies, and paddy field regions within Karumalloor Panchayat.

Conclusion

Haritha Karma Sena is a community-based environmental initiative that strengthens waste management, promotes recycling, and helps maintain cleanliness and sustainability in Karumalloor Panchayat through the active participation of Kudumbashree women and local self-government institutions.