Ranni Panchayat Bans Dry Leaf Burning, Turns Waste into ‘Success’ Fertiliser

In a commendable step towards sustainable waste management, the Ranni Panchayat in Pathanamthitta district has imposed a ban on burning dry leaves, opting instead to convert them into organic fertiliser.

The move, aimed at reducing air pollution and preserving soil health, is being implemented through the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS), who have been assigned the task of collecting dry leaves door-to-door in specially distributed sacks.

“We’ve handed out over 1,000 collection sacks. These leaves will be sent to a local fertiliser unit for eco-friendly processing,” said K R Prakash, panchayat president. He noted that the ban was a response to the toxic fumes, soil moisture loss, and long-term environmental damage caused by leaf burning.

Remarkably, leaders across political lines, including former panchayat presidents, came together in support of the initiative, showcasing a unified commitment to environmental protection.

To ensure compliance, the panchayat has requested citizens to report violations and is considering fines for offenders.

The collected leaves are now being processed by Saji Abraham, a local farmer and fertiliser manufacturer. His unit transforms the leaves into high-quality compost branded as ‘Success’, enriched with fish waste, poultry waste, cow dung, and other local inputs. Saji says this natural fertiliser rivals cocopeat compost, improving soil texture and fertility.

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