By Sandesh Rajendra Shingade, Project Coordinator
Pembi village is located in Nirmal district of Telangana. The village has high schools, a community hall and a Primary Health Center, but there was no dedicated fitness/open-gym facility before this intervention. The community strongly values health, physical fitness and overall wellbeing. However, there was no public space for physical fitness, and villagers preferably walked on roads. There was also an absence of fitness equipment and awareness about healthy lifestyles. Around 90% of the youth had no regular fitness activity, while only 5–10 youth occasionally engaged in exercise.
Many young people spent their free time without productive recreational activities, while women and elderly people lacked safe and accessible places for exercise. Some youth travelled 20 to 25 kilometers to access a gym. The need for an open gym was strongly raised by community members, and the need was identified through discussions with the Village Development Committee, Gram Panchayat members and villagers. It was also discussed in the Gram Sabha. The community identified the land and contributed labour, site preparation, supervision and foundation-related work.
Intervention Under HRDP
Recognizing the need for health and fitness facilities, CYDA and HDFC Bank Parivartan established an Open Public Gym under the Holistic Rural Development Program (HRDP). Community discussions and consultations with villagers highlighted the importance of creating a common space that could encourage physical exercise and promote healthy living. The gym is centrally located near the bus stand, schools, Mandal Revenue Office, Mandal Parishad Development Office and police station, making it easily accessible to villagers.
The open gym was installed on Gram Panchayat-owned land with the prior approval of the Sarpanch and the Gram Panchayat Secretary. It is equipped with eight exercise facilities, with two of each, suitable for different age groups. The facility provides a space for children, students, youth and villagers to use the equipment during morning and evening hours.
Changes in the Village
Approximately 200–250 villagers are using the Open Public Gym. The facility is regularly used during morning and evening hours by children, students, youth and villagers. Elderly people also actively participate in physical activities, while youth regularly use the gym equipment to improve their fitness.
The open gym has increased awareness about health, fitness and healthy lifestyles among villagers, particularly adolescents and youth. It has also encouraged villagers to spend their leisure time and has contributed to stronger community interaction.
“Earlier, there were no facilities in the village for exercise or fitness activities. After the Open Public Gym was established, people of all age groups started coming together to focus on their health. It has created a positive change in our village and motivated many people to live healthier lives.” Mr. Turka Narsareddy , Villager
Maintenance and Sustainability
The Gram Panchayat has taken responsibility for maintaining the Open Public Gym and ensuring that it remains useful for the community over the long term. Gram Panchayat officials support regular cleaning of the area and monitor the condition of the equipment. Minor repairs and maintenance are carried out when required to keep the facilities safe and usable.
Community members are also encouraged to use the equipment responsibly and help keep the space clean. Regular attention to cleanliness, equipment maintenance and community participation will help ensure that the Open Public Gym continues to serve children, youth, women, elderly people and other villagers for years to come.
