Doordarshan Kerala is teaming up with the local self-government department and the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-Dit) to produce the first "social reality show", where local bodies show off feats of sustainable development to bag more funds.

            "Local bodies, not individuals, will participate. They can showcase their innovative ideas in water conservation, soil conservation, waste-management. It would be encouraging for them and inspiring for the others," said K Mohan Kumar, deputy director of C-Dit in Thiruvananthapuram.

           Tentatively named Green Kerala Express, the show is scheduled to go on air from February 2010, seven months ahead of Kerala's local polls. The 100 episodes would showcase the best eco-initiatives of the 999 panchayats, 53 municipalities and five corporations in Kerala.

            Everything from water conservation to employment generation and energy resources to food security would come under the scanner. "Though the thrust is on green initiatives, we will also check how the local bodies fare on infrastructure and housing. Every achievement in every sector would be rewarded with incentives. There would be district-wise winners too," Mohan Kumar said.

            The finance ministry has promised to fund a development project that wins. "Sops and reality shows have taken over primetime TV. We are using the same tools to create a commercially-viable platform for development discussions," C-Dit programme producer Gireesh Edavarad said. Participants will feature development initiatives through a five-minute video.

          Green Kerala Express, too, will invite audience feedback through SMS and emails. The show has a travelogue component that takes the audience across Kerala. The show will also feature as side stories non-governmental agencies and individuals who make a difference. The five-member jury would comprise a social scientist, an elected representative, a cultural icon and two guests. MS Swaminathan, Medha Patkar and Rajinder Singh could be roped in.