Swachhata Campaign in Shillong highlights tradition of cleanliness and community involvement

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 8, 2024

The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Shillong, in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board, organized a Shramdaan-Cleaning Drive under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign on 7th November 2024. Held in Khyndai Lad (Police Bazaar), a busy area of Shillong, the event aimed to raise awareness about cleanliness, environmental responsibility, and community participation.

The drive saw participation from the Minister of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, AL Hek, SDO (Sadar) Anendya Raajsshre, Riatsamthiah Headman Mariahom Kharkrang, Vice President of Police Bazar Welfare Organisation KK Jhunjhunwala, along with students from Martin Luther Christian University, St. Edmunds College, Jail Road Boys Higher Secondary School, BSF, CRPF, Meghalaya Fire and Emergency Services, and local shopkeepers, hawkers, and residents.

Minister AL Hek, the event’s Chief Guest, emphasized Shillong’s tradition of cleanliness and praised the community’s involvement in the drive. He recognized Jiwat Vaswani’s individual environmental efforts, calling him “a true ambassador for keeping our city clean.” Reflecting on Shillong’s deep-rooted tradition of cleanliness, he encouraged residents to take ownership, highlighting the example of Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village.

Acknowledging the efforts of The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim in cleaning the city’s rivers, Hek urged citizens to adopt the spirit of the Swachh Bharat Mission for a cleaner Shillong. Shillong Municipal Board CEO P.K. Boro stressed that cleanliness is a shared responsibility, noting that if villages like Mawlynnong can achieve cleanliness, so can Shillong. Headman of Riatsamthiah, Mariahom Kharkrang reminded attendees of their own role in keeping the city clean, highlighting that government efforts alone are insufficient without active citizen participation.

Dr. KK Jhunjhunwala, Vice President of the Police Bazar Welfare Organisation, praised the efforts of the Municipal team and called on residents, hawkers, and tourists to contribute to maintaining cleanliness, commending Safai Karamcharis for their dedication.

The event also featured felicitations of seven Safai Mitras by Minister Hek, and awards for students of Jail Road Boys Higher Secondary School in an Essay Competition on cleanliness. Hawkers received cheques under the PM SVANidhi Scheme to support their economic recovery. Additional highlights included a Health Screening Camp, Aadhar Camp, handicraft stalls by Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society, and a flash mob by Meghalaya Warriors Dance Academy promoting cleanliness. The program concluded with a lively musical performance by the local band “Sob Rock.”