An awareness programme on waste management under the “Clean Amlarem Campaign” was held at Amlarem marketplace with the participation of the Block Development Officer of of Amlarem Community and Rural Development Block, Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer-Civil, village authorities, women’s groups, market stakeholders, taxi drivers, shopkeepers and residents of the area. The programme was organised as part of the ongoing initiatives connected with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Amlarem Sub-Division.
Speaking during the programme, Headman of Amlarem Village and Secretary of Synjuk Ki Waheh Shnong, War Jaintia, Shri Kampher Pohlong stated that as Amlarem Sub-Division prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee, there is an urgent need to ensure proper sanitation and waste management throughout the area. He said that the campaign has been initiated with the support of the Office of the SDO (Civil), the Office of the Block Development Officer, Seng Kynthei and other stakeholders to bring cleanliness and discipline within the sub-division.
He urged residents to adopt proper waste segregation practices from homes, market areas and public places, while stressing that waste generated by residents staying in rented accommodations has become a growing concern. He further informed that the village administration, with the intervention of the Office of the BDO and SDO (Civil), had earlier undertaken an exposure visit to the Marten Waste Processing and Disposal Site in Shillong to study scientific waste segregation, recycling and sustainable waste management practices.
Highlighting the challenges faced by sanitation workers, Shri Pohlong appealed to residents not to dispose of glass bottles carelessly as it poses risks to workers engaged in cleaning activities. He also warned against littering in secluded areas and informed that the Village Defence Party has been mobilised to monitor such areas and take necessary action against violators.
Block Development Officer of Amlarem C&RD Block, Dr. D. Lyngdoh, in his address, stated that the awareness programme forms part of the larger “Clean Amlarem Campaign” initiated through the offices of the SDO (Civil), BDO, village authorities and women’s groups. He informed that surveys would soon be conducted in markets, residential areas and institutions to assess the quantity of waste generated daily and to formulate proper waste management strategies.
Dr. Lyngdoh emphasised that improper waste disposal not only pollutes the environment but also affects rivers, water sources and public health. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the campaign and work collectively towards maintaining cleanliness and promoting better health within the community.
Advisor and Member of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, War Jaintia, Shri Kolmen Pohshna, also expressed support for the initiative and appealed to all residents of the sub-division to cooperate with the village authorities in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. He stated that with the support of responsible officers and community participation, Amlarem can become a cleaner and healthier place for all.
Secretary of Seng Kynthei Amlarem, Smt. Melimon Surong, appealed to market-goers, taxi drivers and residents to make proper use of designated dustbins and refrain from indiscriminate dumping of waste. She stressed that cleanliness is a collective responsibility and urged the public to begin with small steps towards maintaining a clean and hygienic market area.
The programme also drew references from the recent exposure visit organised on April 11, 2026 under the Clean Amlarem Campaign to Mawlai Mawroh and the Marten Waste Processing and Disposal Site, Shillong. During the visit, participants including village leaders and women’s groups were exposed to modern waste management practices such as segregation, composting, recycling and scientific landfill management.
Officials at the Marten site had highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of scientific waste management, including compost production, recycling of plastic, glass and metal waste, and livelihood opportunities generated through waste processing activities. Participants from Amlarem were also sensitised on the importance of segregation of waste at source under the Waste Management Rules, 2026.
The awareness programme concluded with an appeal to all residents, shopkeepers, drivers and stakeholders of Amlarem Sub-Division to actively participate in the Clean Amlarem Campaign and support efforts towards sustainable waste management and improved sanitation practices in the area.
