Jowai, September 26 : The Government of Meghalaya has launched a major cleanliness drive under the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0, kicking off the “Swachhata Hi Seva 2025” campaign in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills. The initiative emphasizes collective action for a garbage-free India and highlights the pivotal role of citizens, schools, and community leaders in ensuring effective waste management.
Addressing the gathering, Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Sports & Youth Affairs, and Home (Passport), stressed that waste management is not solely the government’s duty but a moral responsibility for every citizen. “Waste management is not only the responsibility of the government or municipal board but also a moral duty of every citizen,” he stated, while urging active youth participation and community involvement. Shylla also announced plans to establish a scientific sanitary landfill in Jowai, a major step toward sustainable waste containment and management
The event was attended by Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), West Jaintia Hills District, D.V. Lyngdoh, MCS, Chief Executive Officer, Jowai Municipal Board, Manhunbeitki Passah, Executive Engineer, Jowai Municipal Board.
School teachers, students, and community representatives, including Jlan Kupar Rymbai, President of Synjuk ki Waheh Shnong, Jowai Urban, actively joined the drive, reinforcing the campaign’s community-led spirit.
As part of the programme, awards were presented to recognize excellence in sanitation: Cleanest Localities: Chilliangraij, Tpep Pale, and Lumkyrwiang, Schools with Cleanest Toilets: St Mary Mazzarello Higher Secondary School, North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Tpep Pale Secondary School, Khimusniang Presbyterian Secondary School, and H K Singh Memorial School. These recognitions aim to encourage healthy competition and sustained efforts toward cleanliness.
Highlighting the government’s progress, Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, noted that SBM 2.0 focuses on achieving garbage-free conditions and Open Defecation Free plus (ODF+) status across Jowai. She detailed measures including Segregation of dry and wet waste, Establishment of a Faecal Sludge and Septage Treatment Plant (FSSP) — a key step toward efficient sanitation management.
The event also featured a “best out of waste” exhibition, showcasing art from recycled materials. To further support community participation, the Minister and dignitaries distributed dustbins to schools and all localities in Jowai.
