Shillong, Nov 14: A first-of-its-kind aquatic waste-to-art sculpture was inaugurated today at Umiam Lake, transforming nearly a ton of lake waste into a symbol of environmental responsibility.
The initiative, led by the Smart Village Movement (SVM) under the guidance of the District Tourism Promotion Society (DTPS) in Ri-Bhoi, was executed in collaboration with the start-up Eco-Ri and local artist Joshua Lyngdoh.
Crafted entirely from discarded materials collected from Umiam Lake are mostly worn-out footwear. The sculpture depicts a giant human foot crushing a half-submerged globe, encircled by fencing made of recycled plastic sheets. The artwork delivers a stark message – humanity’s unchecked footprint is suffocating the planet and the time to act is now.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira highlighted the significance of the sculpture as a symbol of responsible tourism and community-driven sustainability before formally unveiling the installation.
Laying emphasis on cleanliness and environmental protection, he urged the people of the region to continue maintaining and safeguarding the surroundings. “With responsible practices and strong community support, Umiam Lake can truly become one of the most cherished destinations in our state. This sculpture stands as a powerful reminder of our shared duty to protect our natural treasures. Together, let us build a future where tourism uplifts our people, preserves our environment and celebrates the beauty of our land,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal commended the initiative, saying, “By using waste collected directly from Umiam Lake, SVM has demonstrated how creativity and environmental responsibility can come together to promote truly responsible tourism. Umiam is one of our most cherished destinations and preserving it is both an ecological duty and an economic necessity.”
He added that innovative products made from recovered plastic can already be seen at the site, reinforcing the idea that plastic should not always be treated as mere waste. “If we build the right ecosystem, we can incentivise people to manage plastic responsibly, benefitting both individuals and the wider community,” he said.
Brenda L Pakyntein, Director of Tourism, said, “Tourism offers great livelihood opportunities, but it must grow without harming our environment. This initiative is a strong example of how creativity, community effort, and conservation can work together. The Tourism Department will continue supporting such projects through schemes like DTPS and the new Community-Led Tourism programme and we encourage communities to make full use of these opportunities.”
Joshua Lyngdoh, the artist behind the sculpture, said, “As an artist, I am passionate about repurposing scrap and non-biodegradable materials into meaningful art. Working with the Smart Village Movement has given me the opportunity to showcase what can be created when waste is transformed with creativity and purpose.”
He added, “This installation, built from hundreds of pieces of aquatic waste collected from Umiam Lake, is a reflection of that vision. While I may not be able to clean all the waste around us, I hope to contribute in my own way to inspire better waste management and show how discarded materials can take on new life through art.”
