SHILLONG : Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday called for collective participation from citizens to improve cleanliness across Meghalaya, saying that cleanliness cannot be achieved by the government alone.
Dhar was speaking during a mass cleanliness drive organised by the Directorate of Urban Affairs under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), covering an approximately 100-kilometre stretch from Nongpoh to Sohra as part of the nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign.
The cleanliness drive was held under the theme “Ek Din, Ek Saath, Ek Ghanta” and saw the participation of students, colleges, Dorbar Shnongs, community-based organisations, government departments and other stakeholders.
“No one can do it, but everyone can do it,” Dhar said, stressing that the responsibility for keeping the state clean must be shared by everyone.
He said the Swachh Bharat Mission should not be viewed merely as a government cleanliness programme but as a people’s movement aimed at developing civic responsibility and changing public attitudes towards cleanliness.
According to Dhar, the initiative seeks to bring about a change in the cleanliness and civic environment of Meghalaya through collective participation and a change in public mindset.
He said the state government is working towards greater convergence between urban and rural departments, local communities, youth, women and schools to strengthen cleanliness efforts, particularly in Shillong.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the need to develop cleanliness as a daily habit. He pointed out that people often behave differently when they travel outside Meghalaya, particularly in places where cleaner surroundings and stronger civic practices are visible.
Dhar said the government wants cleanliness to become a regular civic responsibility, with people taking ownership of their streets, villages, towns and cities instead of considering it solely the responsibility of the government.
He described the 100-kilometre cleanliness drive as an example of convergence and collective action, saying it would demonstrate Meghalaya’s commitment towards improving civic cleanliness.
On waste management, Dhar said locations including Jowai, Tura and Nongpoh are among the places where landfill facilities are being considered or identified. The objective, he said, is to ensure that towns and cities across Meghalaya have scientific waste-management facilities in the coming years.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate in establishing such facilities, noting that opposition sometimes arises due to misconceptions surrounding waste-management projects.
Dhar said the government is also exploring convergence between different departments and schemes, including rural development programmes, to support waste-management infrastructure in larger villages and provide communities with designated systems for garbage collection and disposal.
Urging citizens to take greater responsibility, he said, “This is our road, this is our village, this is our city, this is our State,” calling for a stronger sense of ownership among the people.
He further said cleanliness efforts in schools would be strengthened through greater engagement with principals, headmen and local communities to promote proper waste collection and disposal.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s growing tourism sector, Dhar said maintaining the state’s natural and civic environment is crucial for sustaining its reputation as a major tourist destination.
As part of the initiative, Dhar flagged off 24 vehicles, including 18 small vehicles and six trucks, for the cleanliness drive.
The programme was attended by Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya SC Sadhu, CEO of Shillong Municipal Board PK Boro, the BDO of Mawlai C&RD Block, CRP officials, students, residents of Mawlai-Mawiong and other stakeholders.