Meghalaya Launches Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, Pledges To Be One Of The Cleanest States Of India

To strengthen 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) & Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Urban Affairs Department launched the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ (SHS) 2024 at Shillong. The ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ fortnight will be observed from September 17th to October 2nd with the theme of Swabhav Swachhata - Sanskaar Swachhata.

Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya & Minister In-charge, Urban Affairs Department stressed on the importance of a clean environment and the responsibility of each citizen to play their part in ensuring a clean environment. He highlighted that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, is a crucial programme that requires public participation to succeed.

During the programme, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister mentioned that the Urban Department has allocated significant funds for infrastructure development, including Rs 5.8 crore for footpath renovation in Iew Duh and a proposed Rs 15 crore for upgrading the traditional market. The revamped market will feature separate sections for vegetables, wet markets, and clothing. Moreover, Dhar also shared his vision to make Meghalaya one of India’s top tourism destinations within five years, emphasising the importance of cleanliness in achieving this goal. This aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s objectives, which include improving health, safety, dignity, and economic benefits for citizens.

Smti. R. M Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, highlighted that as citizens it is our responsibility to take the pledge to ensure that cleanliness is maintained, while also introspecting on what can be done for the country. She talked about the working conditions of sanitation workers and dignity of labour, raising awareness that they should be respected for the work done. Smti Kurbah mentioned that 70 e-vehicles have been earmarked by the government out of which 67 has been received and are functional, that will be carrying wastes from households.

To mark the launch of the Swachhta Hi Seva (SHS) 2024, the Swachhata pledge was also administered today.

The objective of 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.

Shri J. P. Lakiang, MCS, Joint Secretary and Mission Director, Swacch Bharat Mission Grameen remarked that the presence of everyone in the programme reflects the collective commitment to fostering a culture of cleanliness and hygiene which forms the bedrock of a healthy and progressive society. “The Swachh Bharat Mission has always been not only a sanitation initiative but a movement in transforming our lifestyles and instilling values that elevate communities,” he said.

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.

Dignitaries present at the programme were Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Meghalaya in-charge, Urban Affairs Department; Smti. R. M Kurbah, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills; Shri P. K. Boro, MCS Joint Secretary, Government of Meghalaya & CEO, Shillong Municipal Board; Shri J. P. Lakiang, MCS, Joint Secretary,  Government of Meghalaya, PHE & Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen,  Meghalaya, Shri K Kharumnuid, Mission Director of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBM-U), Meghalaya, Urban Affairs Department and other officials and dignitaries of allied departments. Also, Present at the programme were students and teachers from different schools and colleges, NCC cadets, village headmen and SHG members were also present.