Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar leads launch of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ 2024 in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 17, 2024

To bolster voluntarism and collective action for Swachh Bharat and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G), Public Health Engineering Department (PHE), and Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Urban Affairs Department launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) 2024 in Shillong on September 17. The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ fortnight will run from September 17 to October 2, with the theme “Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.”

Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Minister incharge of the Urban Affairs Department, Sniawbhalang Dhar, emphasized the importance of a clean environment and each citizen’s role in maintaining it. He noted that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is a key program that relies on public participation for success.

Dhar also announced significant infrastructure investments, including Rs 5.8 crore for footpath renovations in Iewduh and a proposed Rs 15 crore for upgrading the traditional market. The revamped market will have dedicated sections for vegetables, wet markets, and clothing. Additionally, Dhar shared his vision of making Meghalaya one of India’s top tourism destinations within five years, highlighting cleanliness as crucial for achieving this goal.

RM Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, emphasized citizens’ responsibility to uphold cleanliness and reflect on their contributions to the country. She addressed the working conditions of sanitation workers, stressing their dignity and the need for respect. Kurbah also mentioned that 70 e-vehicles have been allocated for waste collection, with 67 already in operation.

The event featured the administration of the Swachhta pledge, reinforcing the mission’s goals. SHS 2024 is to facilitate large-scale advocacy and citizen participation for swachhata, mega cleanliness drives & clearing of dirty and difficult garbage spots (black spots), recognise the contribution of sanitation workers, celebrate the achievements over the past decade, and reaffirm our commitment to the future of sanitation and sustainable waste management in India.

JP Lakiang, MCS, Joint Secretary and Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, highlighted that the event’s turnout reflects a collective commitment to cleanliness and hygiene. He described the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement that transforms lifestyles and instills values that elevate communities.

As part of SHS 2024, three pillars of activities are being carried out-Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) – Shramdaan activities aimed at the time-bound transformation of target units and general cleanliness. Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari – Promoting public participation, awareness, and advocacy. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs – Conducting preventive health checkups and providing social security coverage for sanitation workers.

The event was attended by PK Boro, MCS, Joint Secretary and CEO of Shillong Municipal Board; JK Kharumnuid, Mission Director of SBM-U; and other officials. Students, teachers, NCC cadets, village headmen, and SHG members were also present, showing broad community support for the initiative.