Nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva campaign launched in state
Shillong, Sep 19: The nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva campaign from September 17 to October 2 under the theme Swachhotsav (festival of cleanliness) was launched by Department of Urban Affairs in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board in Shillong.
“Since its inception in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission has become a mass movement for a clean India, driven by the people. In Meghalaya, we have conducted over 6,000 awareness programmes since October 2, 2014, reaching every corner of the state,” said WAM Booth Shadap, Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, in her address.
She highlighted the participation of over 3 lakh students in the zero-littering campaign, showcasing the Generation Z’s role in driving change in waste management and cleanliness drives.
She also administered the Swachhata Hi Seva pledge, reinforcing the commitment to cleanliness.
In his address, Urban Affairs Department Joint Director K Kharumnuid emphasized the Swacch Bharat mission’s vision of a “garbage-free India” through sustainable solid waste management and sanitation.
He noted that Meghalaya generates 315 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste daily in urban areas. Currently, 215 TPD processing facilities are available out of which 91 TPD are developed under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
He urged citizens to dispose of waste responsibly and recycle to optimize these facilities.
He also informed Meghalaya’s open defecation-free status and announced plans for sewage treatment systems across the capital under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Meanwhile, during a panel discussion on “Segregation at Source: The Foundation for Effective Waste Management”, experts deliberated on promoting cleanliness, environmental awareness, and sustainable waste segregation practices.
