The CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has awarded the prestigious IGBC Green Village Gold Rating to Sondhi and Nimana villages in Jhajjar district for their exemplary initiatives in sustainable rural development. This recognition underscores the success of a collaborative effort between Model Economic Township Limited City (Reliance MET City) and the Gram Panchayats, setting a pioneering example of quality of life and livelihood for community transformation.
The Model Economic Township Limited City (Reliance MET City) has adopted IGBC Green Village Rating program to enhance the livelihood of villages in close collaboration with the Gram Panchayats of both villages. The green implementations were achieved by adopting the IGBC Green Village framework, a structured model that evaluates villages across six focus areas and over 75 measurable performance indicators.
Through this systematic approach, Sondhi and Nimana successfully integrated sustainable solutions into community infrastructure, resource management, and livelihoods, ensuring tangible benefits for residents while setting new benchmarks in rural development. A felicitation ceremony to commemorate this achievement was held at Gram Nimana. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from residents, Panchayat leaders, and distinguished dignitaries.
Mr. Swapnil Ravindra Patil, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Mr. Sanjay Varshney, Chairman, IGBC Delhi Chapter, felicitated Sondhi and Nimana village heads in the presence of Mr. SV Goyal, Reliance MET City, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, District Education Officer, Mr. Sumit Benipal, BDPO Badli, and Mr. Sunil Gulia, President of 84 Khap, with IGBC’s prestigious Gold Plaque along with the community members, youth, and women beneficiaries of the initiatives undertaken.
Commending the achievement at the district level, Mr. Swapnil Ravindra Patil, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar (Chief Guest), said “The recognition of Nimana and Sondhi as IGBC Green Villages is a matter of pride for our district. It demonstrates how shared vision and collaboration between communities, governance, and industry can deliver holistic sustainability.”
Reflecting on the industry’s role, Mr. SV Goyal, Reliance MET City, said, “At Reliance MET, we are deeply committed to nurturing sustainable, future-ready communities. The achievements of Sondhi and Nimana reaffirm our belief that industrial growth and community well-being must go hand in hand.”
Highlighting IGBC’s approach, Mr. Sanjay Varshney, Chairman, IGBC Delhi Chapter, remarked, “These villages are shining examples of how IGBC frameworks drive structured, measurable, and impactful sustainability at the grassroots. Their success will inspire Panchayats across India to adopt IGBC green village rating system to enhance quality of life of every citizen.”
Salient Green Features Implemented:
Nimana Village
100% household drinking water coverage with 3,25,000-litre tank and RO facility.
Open Defecation Free (ODF) with universal toilet access.
Healthcare provided through an Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre.
Clean energy: Fully grid-connected, 55 kWp solar PV and 150 LED streetlights.
Water conservation: Renovated ponds harvesting 2.5 lakh litres annually.
Waste management: Composting livestock and food waste into manure.
Livelihoods: 170+ youth trained, 232 women skilled, 20 women-led micro-enterprises established.
Community amenities: 100% LPG coverage, amenities, playground, and bus service.
Smart Village features: e-Learning, e-Governance, Public Address System.
Sondhi Village
100% household drinking water coverage with 2,29,000-litre tank and RO facility.
ODF status with universal toilet coverage.
Healthcare access via Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centre.
Clean energy: 60 kWp solar PV and solar streetlights.
Water conservation through a renovated pond harvesting 2.5 lakh litres annually.
Waste management: Organic waste converted to manure.
Livelihoods: 300+ residents trained and employed.
Alternative income streams: Broom-making and bamboo furniture.
Community amenities: 100% LPG coverage, playground, bus service, and multiple public amenities.
Smart Village features: e-Learning, universal digital literacy, and e-Governance.
The IGBC team presented Gold Rating certificates and plaques to the Panchayats of both villages during the ceremony. This recognition placed Jhajjar district firmly on India’s map of green-certified villages and created a model that other Panchayats can replicate, strengthening the nation’s long-term vision of green and self-reliant villages by providing a practical and replicable model of sustainable rural development nationwide.