Shillong (Meghalaya), Oct 7: The Department of Urban Affairs and Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board, marked the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign at the State Convention Centre, here. This initiative, themed “Swachhotsav” or “Festival of Cleanliness,” aimed to create awareness about cleanliness and instill a sense of responsibility among citizens.
During the campaign, Meghalaya witnessed a significant increase in waste processing, from 2% to 68%, showcasing the state’s commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment. The state has been at the forefront of solid waste management, with a policy and strategy in place since 2019, striving towards zero waste. To achieve this vision, the state generates awareness through various programs, including over 6,000 awareness initiatives since 2014, reaching every corner of Meghalaya.
The campaign also emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, with significant participation from citizens, students, and government officials. Various events, including cleaning drives and SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir, were organized to promote cleanliness and welfare of sanitation workers. Notably, the state has achieved open defecation-free status and is working towards developing sewage treatment systems across the capital under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Minister Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted the state’s efforts, saying, “Our state is among the first in the country to have a solid waste management policy and strategy, which was notified in 2019, and the vision of the policy is to strive toward zero waste.” With such initiatives, Meghalaya is moving closer to its goal of a cleaner and healthier environment.
