Meghalaya Launches Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 with Shillong Municipal Board

The Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board, officially launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign on September 17, 2025. The initiative, running till October 2, 2025, is part of a nationwide cleanliness drive under the theme “Swachhotsav – Festival of Cleanliness.”

Driving the Vision of a Clean and Sustainable Meghalaya

Speaking at the event, Smt. W. A. M. Booth Shadap, IAS, Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, highlighted the transformative impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which has been a people-driven movement since its inception in 2014. She shared that Meghalaya has organized over 6,000 awareness programs since October 2, 2014, spreading the message of cleanliness across the state.

A major highlight has been the active participation of over 3 lakh students in the zero-littering campaign, underlining Gen Z’s commitment to sustainable waste management and community-driven cleanliness drives.

The chief guest also administered the Swachhata Hi Seva pledge, reinforcing collective responsibility towards cleanliness.

Keynote Address: Solid Waste Management & Sanitation

In his keynote address, Shri K. Kharumnuid, Joint Director, Urban Affairs Department, emphasized the mission’s vision of creating a “garbage-free India” through scientific solid waste management. He noted that Meghalaya generates about 315 tonnes of solid waste daily in urban areas, with processing facilities available for 215 TPD, of which 91 TPD has been developed under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.

He urged citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal and recycling practices to maximize the capacity of existing facilities. Shri Kharumnuid also shared Meghalaya’s achievement of being declared open defecation-free and announced upcoming plans for sewage treatment systems in Shillong, further strengthening sanitation efforts.

Key Focus Areas of Swachhata Hi Seva 2025

The campaign highlights multiple initiatives aimed at transforming Meghalaya into a model of cleanliness and sustainability:

• Transformation of Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): Eliminating dark, neglected, and difficult areas.
• Clean Public Spaces: Community-driven swachhata activities across public areas.
• SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir: Health check-ups and welfare camps for sanitation workers.
• Clean Green Festivities: Promoting eco-friendly and zero-waste celebrations.

Swachhata Advocacy: Driving awareness through Gram Sabhas, with focus on declaring ODF Plus Model villages and Swachh Sujal Gaon in rural areas.

Panel Discussion: Segregation at Source

A panel discussion titled “Segregation at Source: The Foundation for Effective Waste Management” brought together experts who emphasized the importance of sustainable waste segregation, environmental awareness, and grassroots participation in building a cleaner future.

Distinguished Guests and Participants

The event was graced by several dignitaries including Smt. W. A. M. Booth Shadap, IAS; Shri K. Kharumnuid; Shri R. Kharbikhiew, Deputy Secretary; Shri K. Wahlang, Joint Director (Technical); Shri F.B. Chyne, Executive Engineer, Shillong Municipal Board; Smt. M. Lyntan, Executive Officer, Shillong Municipal Board; Shri R. Budnah and Shri B. Nongrum, Executive Engineers, Urban Affairs Department, along with other officials from the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The campaign also saw enthusiastic participation from Jessie Lyngdoh, Brand Ambassador for Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, teachers, NSS volunteers, and Self-Help Groups, strengthening the spirit of community-driven cleanliness.

With its strong focus on sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and community involvement, Meghalaya’s Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 is more than just a campaign it’s a festival of cleanliness that sets a benchmark for inclusive urban development in India.