Five key initiatives have been laid by the State government under the Mission Clean Shillong 2027 to turn the city into a world-class, zero-litter, eco-conscious town, as it preps up to host the National Games.
One of the key initiatives is to eliminate “legacy waste” at Marten landfill, which is facing challenges due to its age and the increasing volume of waste it handles. The government also seeks to ensure zero solid waste discharge into rivers and water bodies with 100 per cent scientific processing and disposal, restoration and beautification of public spaces and to enhance grievance redressal and citizen engagement platforms.
An official presentation of the document was made during a city-wide public consultation organised by the Urban Affairs Department in collaboration with Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) at the State Convention Centre, here on Friday.
In his keynote address, Director of Urban Affairs PK Boro emphasised the importance of grassroots involvement. He urged the attendees to share their concerns and ideas stating that their participation is crucial for the government to develop a robust and comprehensive Mission Document.
SMB Executive Engineer FB Chyne delivered a comprehensive presentation on the city’s current waste management strategy. He said, “No household should be left behind”, in order to ensure that waste management is community-led, city-wide, and sustainable.
He also highlighted recent infrastructure interventions, including the deployment of 74 garbage collection vehicles to strengthen waste collection and transportation. On the processing and disposal front, a 170-tonne-per-day composting plant has been installed, four waste recovery centres have been constructed and made operational, and a 15,000 square meter sanitary landfill site has been developed and commissioned.
Highlighting the mission’s targets, Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 K. Kharumnuid announced that the “My City, My Pride” campaign is slated for conclude by October 2025. He invited further suggestions from the public and local bodies, encouraging stakeholders to submit feedback to the Urban Affairs Department by August 2025.
The consultation brought together rangbah shnongs, civic bodies, experts, and residents to co-create a roadmap for a cleaner, greener Shillong, well ahead of the sporting extravaganza.
Participants at the consultation raised queries on septic tanks, stray animal control, overhanging cables, and the performance of waste management agencies.