A local television station in Kerala is launching the first social reality show in India that will be evaluating performance of the local government authorities (panchayats) in sectors such as water and land management, sanitation, environment, health and energy. Called the Green Kerala Express, this daily 30 minute interactive show, starting in February 2010, will focus on sustainable development models developed by the local self-governments. All panchayats can apply with a detailed profoma and also a five minute video on their achievements.

The basic format will be that of a travelogue and thus it differs from conventional reality shows. Two anchors-male and female-will travel through the breadth and length of the state depicting the green history of the state as it evolves. Episodes will be posted on a web portal. SMS voting will be included to ensure the participation of viewers. At the end one panchayat, one Municipality and one Corporation will be selected as final winners. Green Kerala Express is an initiative of the Kerala branch of Doordarshan Kendra, India’s public television broadcaster, the Kerala Ministry of Local Self Government, the Suchitwa (Sanitation) Mission and the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT).

Web site: Green Kerala Express

Source: The Hindu, 07 Dec 2009 ; Green Kerala Express

Watch a Green Kerala Express model video (local language version in Malayalam only)

Tags: governance, information and communication, sanitation, south asia, water resources management