Shillong, September 19 : The Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board, has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, a nationwide cleanliness drive under the theme “Swachhotsav – Festival of Cleanliness.” The initiative, which began on September 17 and will continue until October 2, 2025, focuses on community-driven cleanliness and sustainable waste management.
Speaking at the launch, W.A.M. Booth Shadap, IAS, Secretary of the Urban Affairs Department, highlighted that since 2014, over 6,000 awareness programmes have been conducted across the state. More than 3 lakh students have actively participated in zero-littering campaigns, showcasing youth leadership in building a cleaner Meghalaya. She administered the Swachhata pledge to reaffirm the state’s commitment to cleanliness.
In his keynote address, K. Kharumnuid, Joint Director, Urban Affairs Department, underlined the mission’s goal of creating a garbage-free India through sustainable solid waste management. Meghalaya currently generates 315 tonnes of urban waste daily, of which 215 TPD is processed—including 91 TPD under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. He urged citizens to practice waste segregation and recycling while announcing plans for new sewage treatment systems to complement Meghalaya’s open-defecation-free status.
The campaign will drive major cleanliness and waste management reforms through five key components:
- Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): Revitalising dark and neglected spots.
- Clean Public Spaces: Large-scale cleanliness drives in marketplaces and public spaces.
- SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir: Single-window health and welfare camps for sanitation workers.
- Clean Green Festivities: Promotion of eco-friendly, zero-waste celebrations.
- Swachhata Advocacy: Mobilising communities and Gram Sabhas to declare ODF Plus Models and Swachh Sujal Gaon in rural India.
A panel discussion on “Segregation at Source: The Foundation for Effective Waste Management” explored strategies to improve environmental awareness and sustainable waste segregation practices.
The event saw participation of R. Kharbikhiew, K. Wahlang, F.B. Chyne, M. Lyntan, R. Budnah, B. Nongrum, and other senior officials from the Urban Affairs Department and Shillong Municipal Board. Jessie Lyngdoh, Brand Ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, along with teachers, NSS volunteers, and Self-Help Group members, also attended.
