In the picturesque state of Meghalaya, a powerful, citizen-led revolution is sweeping through streets, villages, and public spaces. Moving beyond mere policy, residents are personally taking charge, armed with brooms and a profound sense of duty, to reclaim their shared environments as extensions of their own homes.
The Personal Touch to Public Cleanliness
While urban waste is typically tackled through municipal infrastructure, the response in Meghalaya is strikingly personal and community-driven. This grassroots movement has gained significant momentum, aligning perfectly with the state urban affairs department's intensified focus on sustainable waste management. The initiative draws inspiration from the national ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign, which has successfully galvanized civic responsibility into tangible action across the country.
Volunteers from various districts are now leading by powerful example. Their actions in cleaning streets and collecting plastic waste are influencing entire communities and redefining what urban responsibility means. The commitment is exemplified by individuals like Shynnaki Dkhar from Nongkynrih Village in West Jaintia Hills District. Despite being differently abled, he tirelessly maintains the cleanliness of his area, proving that dedication can overcome any physical constraint.
In Upper Mawprem, Shillong, another inspiring figure, Deba Prasad Ghosh, has consistently joined municipal workers in the unglamorous but critical tasks of cleaning drains and removing piled-up waste, directly contributing to his community's health and hygiene.
Policy Backing: The Green Deposit Scheme
Supporting these ground-level efforts, the urban affairs department launched a pragmatic initiative in December 2025: the Green Deposit Scheme. Initially implemented at major eco-tourism hotspots like Sohra (Cherrapunjee) and Dawki, the scheme adds a small, refundable deposit to the cost of plastic beverage containers.
The mechanism is simple yet effective: tourists pay the deposit at purchase and get it back upon returning the empty bottle. This direct economic incentive promotes responsible behavior and has led to a noticeable reduction in litter, particularly in these environmentally sensitive and frequently visited areas.
Women at the Forefront of Sustainable Solutions
The movement's backbone also includes robust, women-led initiatives that are turning waste into wealth. Groups such as the ‘Merry Maidens’ of Shillong and the Lainehskhem Self-Help Group are pioneering the production of certified compost using traditional techniques.
By efficiently processing organic waste, these women are not only managing garbage but also creating a valuable resource for agriculture, highlighting their indispensable role in driving community-level change in cleanliness, sanitation, and environmental stewardship.
The story unfolding in Meghalaya is a compelling testament to what happens when policy, innovative schemes like the Green Deposit, and unwavering public participation converge. It showcases a model where sustainable waste management is not just a government directive but a collective civic mission, powered by the people themselves.
