Adachiwadi: The Village Revolutionizing Rural India. Adachiwadi, nestled in Purandhar Taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, about 56 km from Pune city and 10 km from Jejuri town, represents a paradigm of grassroots innovation and sustainable rural development. Spanning approximately 4.48 square kilometers, this medium-sized village has a population of 1,574 according to the 2011 census (828 males and 746 females), with a literacy rate of 85.53%—surpassing the state average of 82.34%. Predominantly Marathi-speaking, the community relies on agriculture, with figs as the primary crop and about 70% of residents engaged in farming activities.

By- Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari, Chief Editor http://indiainput.com

The village’s success stems from a philosophy of self-motivated leadership, encapsulated in the phrase “Here there are no politicians, but there is leadership.” This approach has led to remarkable self-inspired developments, free from external political influence or contractors. Key environmental initiatives include achieving 100% plastic-free status through strict community enforcement, weekly shramdan (voluntary labor) cleaning drives involving every resident, and exemplary waste management with separate bins for wet and dry waste, conveniently marked on Google Maps. Infrastructure boasts high-quality cement roads built by villagers, lush green gardens, a public park abundant with trees, and sustainable energy from 80-90 solar panels. Security is enhanced by 46 CCTV cameras monitored centrally.

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A innovative water distribution system provides purified drinking water via a card-based ATM-like mechanism at just ₹1 for 5 liters, encouraging conservation and affordability. Education is prioritized with a 100% digital school equipped like urban facilities, contributing to the high literacy rate. Social aspects include an air-conditioned gym for youth, active women empowerment programs, and a harmonious environment free from casteism or religious discord. Village walls feature hand-painted murals depicting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals, national leaders’ messages, and social values, fostering unity and pride.

Recent collaborations with NGOs like SayTrees have further bolstered progress. In 2025, three lakes were desilted and restored, significantly increasing water holding capacity—reports vary from an addition of 7.55 million liters to a total of 55 million, to 167.5 million liters overall. This has recharged groundwater, expanding irrigation to over 600 hectares of farmland (previously only 60% cultivable due to scarcity), thereby enhancing agricultural productivity, crop diversity, and farmer livelihoods in a climate-vulnerable region.

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Adachiwadi near Pune ( Maharashtra ) is a village that is truly ahead of its time.

• The village is 100% plastic free
• Drinking water is available through a card system 5 litres for just 1 rupee
• All village walls are painted by the villagers themselves
• There is no… pic.twitter.com/Xt5GIKWQix

— 𝙿 𝙰 𝚆 𝙰 𝙽 𓂀 (@PawanTheKiller) January 18, 2026

As of early 2026, ongoing activities include farmer meetings for knowledge sharing on sustainable practices, held on January 3, and tenders for improving connecting roads to enhance accessibility. Community facilities encompass a large pond, temple, community hall, playground, a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, efficient drainage systems built years ago, an in-house solid waste project, and street lights illuminating the area.

Viral social media reels and news articles have amplified Adachiwadi’s story, portraying it as a blueprint for rural India, comparable to model villages like Hiware Bazar and Ralegan Siddhi. While no significant controversies exist, experts emphasize that long-term sustainability hinges on continued community engagement and potential government support for scaling. Adachiwadi illustrates how collective intent and mentality can drive transformative change, offering valuable lessons for urban centers struggling with cleanliness, sustainability, and civic responsibility.