- ‘Gram Panchayat honoured with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sustainable Development Award of Rs 25 lakh’
Sardih Gram Panchayat, located in the Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, has distinguished itself at the national level by demonstrating outstanding work in the areas of cleanliness, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Sardih Panchayat has jointly secured third place nationwide in the Theme 5 “Clean and Green Village” category under the prestigious Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Panchayat Sustainable Development Award, awarded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India. For this achievement, the Panchayat was awarded a prize money of ₹25 lakh.
The Sarpanch of Sardih Gram Panchayat, Mr. Ramji Ram Bhagat, and Secretary, Mr. Ishwar Prasad Yadav, received the honor at a national ceremony held on June 3 at the SCOPE Convention Center in New Delhi. Union Minister of Panchayati Raj and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), presented the award to them. District Panchayat President, Mr. Salik Sai, District Panchayat CEO, Mr. Abhishek Kumar, Deputy Panchayat Director, Ms. Kusum Bada, Janpad Panchayat Bagicha President, Mrs. Gayatri Nagesh, and ADPM, Mr. Navneet Kumar Sahu were also present on the occasion.
- ‘Sardih has become an example of public participation and innovation’
Collector Mr. Rohit Vyas congratulated the Gram Panchayat’s public representatives, officials, and villagers on this achievement, saying that Sardih’s success is an excellent example of community participation, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development. He expressed confidence that this achievement will serve as an inspiration for other Panchayats in the district. District Panchayat CEO Mr. Abhishek Kumar said that Sardih has presented an ideal model in the areas of cleanliness, environmental protection, and rural development.
- Cleanliness and greenery have changed the face of the village.
Sardih, home to approximately 454 families, is also home to the Pahari Korwa community, a special backward tribe. The Panchayat has transformed sanitation into a mass movement, ensuring the use of toilets in all homes and constructing community toilets. Weekly, villagers and sanitation groups conduct mass cleaning drives, making the village an example of a clean and healthy environment. Soak pits constructed for water conservation have improved groundwater levels and played a vital role in ensuring year-round water availability.
- ‘Farmers’ income increased due to solar energy and modern farming’
Solar-powered pumps have been installed in 109 households in Sardih, providing adequate water for irrigation and domestic use. Farmers are leveraging modern agricultural techniques by cultivating various horticultural crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. This has significantly increased their income and strengthened the village economy. The 12 solar streetlights installed by the Panchayat are also playing an important role in energy conservation and environmental enhancement.
- ‘Sardih also got a place in the national book’
During the ceremony, a special booklet, “National Panchayat Awards 2025,” published by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, was also released. This book specifically highlights Sardih Panchayat’s innovations related to sanitation, water conservation, green development, renewable energy, and community participation. Panchayat representatives were also presented with copies of the book.
- National Award for Collective Efforts
This national honor received by Gram Panchayat Sardih is the result of the collective efforts of villagers, public representatives, sanitation workers, and administrative staff. This achievement is a matter of pride not only for Jashpur district but for the entire state of Chhattisgarh and has emerged as an inspiring example towards building a clean, green, and self-reliant village.