Itanagar, July 28: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday expressed pride after PM Narendra Modi lauded the citizen-led ‘Green Roing’ initiative in Lower Dibang Valley district during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme.
Khandu called it a moment of national recognition for a grassroots movement.
“It’s always heartening when quiet, local efforts catch the attention of the nation. Green Roing isn’t just a campaign. It’s a movement,” he said in a post on X.
Khandu noted that the recognition reinforces how real change begins at the grassroots level.
“Appreciate every citizen who made this possible. You’ve set an example for the rest of us,” he said.
The state BJP also extended gratitude to PM Modi for acknowledging the initiative during the 124th episode of his radio programme.
In his radio address, the PM highlighted Roing as an inspiring example of how small towns are finding innovative solutions to cleanliness and environmental challenges.
“There was a time when waste management was a big challenge confronting the health of the people in Roing. The people there took responsibility. The Green Roing initiative was started, and then an entire park was created from recycled waste,” he said.
The ‘Green Roing’ initiative is a grassroots movement led by a group of passionate youths under the leadership of Ibi Mepo. It focuses on the daily cleanliness and beautification of the township.
Among its standout achievements is the iconic ‘Waste to Wonder’ butterfly structure at the forest park, constructed using 10,000 recycled plastic bottles.
Additionally, innovative mesh dustbins have been created from waste materials.
Under the initiative, daily garbage collection has become the norm, and concerted efforts are underway to promote sustainability through plantation drives and environmental awareness.
Roing is also among the five towns in Arunachal Pradesh selected for the introduction of electric buses, a major step toward sustainable public transport.
With endorsement from the PM himself, the ‘Green Roing’ initiative now stands as a beacon for other towns in the country.(PTI)
