New Delhi, September 20, 2025: The Department of Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Shillong Municipal Board, has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign, a nationwide cleanliness drive running from September 17 to October 2, under the theme “Swachhotsav” or festival of cleanliness.
Speaking at the event, Smt. W. A. M. Booth Shadap, IAS, Secretary, Urban Affairs Department, said, “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 programs since October 2, 2014, reaching every corner of the state.” She highlighted the participation of more than three lakh students in the zero-littering campaign, underlining Generation Z’s role in driving change in waste management and cleanliness drives.
In his keynote address, Shri K. Kharumnuid, Joint Director, Urban Affairs Department, emphasized the mission’s vision of achieving a “garbage-free India” through sustainable solid waste management and sanitation. He noted, “Meghalaya generates approximately 315 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste daily in urban areas. 215 TPD processing facilities is currently available out of which 91 TPD are developed under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.” He also urged citizens to dispose of waste responsibly and recycle to optimize these facilities, while announcing Meghalaya’s open defecation-free status and upcoming sewage treatment systems in the capital.
The campaign focuses on initiatives including transforming neglected cleanliness target units, cleaning public spaces, organizing SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir for sanitation workers, promoting eco-friendly festivals, and strengthening advocacy for Swachhata through Gram Sabhas and rural outreach.
A panel discussion on “Segregation at Source: The Foundation for Effective Waste Management” was also held, featuring experts and community representatives. The event was attended by senior officials from the Urban Affairs Department, Shillong Municipal Board, Swachh Bharat Mission representatives, brand ambassador Jessie Lyngdoh, teachers, NSS volunteers, and Self-Help Group members.
