Shillong, Apr 16: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) organised an awareness programme themed “Clean Sohra, Green Sohra: A Collective Responsibility for Sustainable Tourism.”
Held at the conference hall of the SDO Civil Sub-Division in Sohra today, the programme witnessed participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the tourism department, homestays, hotels, and members of the Hima Sohra.
MSPCB Member Secretary GH Chyrmang emphasised the importance of waste recycling and systematic waste management. He advocated for the use of septic tank pumps and highlighted the potential for income generation through recycled by-products.
Wompher Shadap, a specialist from the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban, discussed community-based waste management practices, which included segregation at the source and decentralized systems designed to enhance efficiency.
Alan West from the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) announced an agreement between Hima Sohra and Concrea Infrastructures, a Guwahati-based company, aimed at bolstering waste management initiatives in the region.
The contributions of the Hima Sohra Tourist Assistant Team, known for their pamphlet distribution and upkeep of cleanliness at tourist spots, were commended.
The programme also featured an interactive session where participants engaged with experts to discuss practical challenges and solutions concerning waste management, underlining the necessity of teamwork between government bodies, local communities (dorbar), and the public to promote responsible tourism practices.
