Bhabua (Bihar), Jan 16

 A Bihar town is painting itself green to send out an environment friendly message, an official said.

Bhabua, district headquarters of Maoist affected Kaimur district, known for the Mundeshwari temple - one of the oldest centrally-protected monuments in the country - has changed as the facades of most of the private and government buildings have been painted green.

"Most of the buildings, including private houses, business establishments and government buildings, have been painted green without government funds," said Kaimur District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Singh. 

"It is a rare thing to happen for the sake of giving a unique environment friendly touch and to strengthen unity and harmony among people," said the man who a few months ago encouraged the idea to paint the town green.

Singh said it all began last September when it was decided at a meeting of elected representatives and citizens to paint all buildings green in Bhabua.

"After that, every one in the town contributed to turn Bhabua a green one by painting their houses and other buildings," he said.

Singh told IANS that painting the town green was a people's choice and was successfully done by the community leadership and mutual cooperation.

"It is an experiment of a close collaboration of people with local administration for development," he said.

He admitted that initially it was a challenge to persuade everyone to paint their town green.

"I along with elected representatives and community leaders visited every ward to persuade people," Singh said.

He said more than 90 percent buildings have been painted green in the town and the remaining would be completed soon.

Singh said Bhabua, around 150 km from Patna, will be officially declared a green town Thursday afternoon.

"After pink city - Jaipur, Bhabua will be green city, known for the colour of its buildings," he said, adding that the colour green is giving a pleasant look. 

The district administration has approached Limca Book of Records to get Bhabua included in the records for being the first town painted green not only in India but the world.

A few years back, Singh, when he was posted as sub-divisional officer in neighbouring Maoists affected Aurangabad district, painted the town pink. He recalled that he was inspired to paint Aurangabad pink after a visit to Jaipur.

Last year, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer set an example on how to save fuel - by going to work on foot or on a bicycle.

He has also decided not to use his beacon-fitted car to go to his office.

By:IANS