Tura, March 5, 2024: In an effort to keep our environment clean and green, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A Sangma along with Minister incharge PHE Marcuise N Marak, Kharkutta MLA Rupert Momin, Salmanpara MLA Ian Botham K Sangma and MDC Grahambel A Sangma launched and handed over the Waste Collection e-Vehicles under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) at Baljek Airport, Jengjal on 5th March, 2024.
It may be mentioned that about 101 of e-Vehicles were handed over to the members of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) of East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills Districts of Garo Hills Region.
Addressing a large gathering, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Thomas A Sangma said that this is a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable development, environmental conservation and technological innovation. He further reiterated that Swachh Bharat Mission has been launched with a mission of clean and open defecation free India which is a landmark initiative towards a healthier and more hygienic nation. As a pivotal component of this mission the distribution of e-Vehicles for waste management has revolutionized the approached to sustainable urban and rural development, he said.
He further said that the deployment of e-Vehicles such as the electric vans being distributed for waste management has brought about a paradigm shift in the efforts to mitigate environmental degradation and promote eco-friendly practices. These e-Vehicles play a crucial role in addressing key challenges to waste management and sanitation and distribution of these vehicles has elevated the Swachh Bharat Mission to new heights driving us towards a future defined by cleanliness, sustainability and technological innovation, he added. He mentioned that the initiative embodies the collective efforts to build a nation that cherishes the natural resource and embraces responsible waste management practices and urged everyone to continue to champion the cause of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. He also expressed his appreciation and lauded the efforts of the initiative and hard work of the Officers and staff of PHE department for the successful implementation of the scheme in the region.
Speaking on the occasion as Guest of Honour, Minister Incharge PHE, etc Marcuise N Marak informed that these e-Vehicles are being distributed under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) which was launched by the Government of India and it aims to make the country clean. Therefore, the Government of Meghalaya has also implemented the flagship programme and said that the State has achieved about 84 percent in Open Defecation Free (ODF) plus. Further, he mentioned that clean India includes ODF plus and other waste management projects implemented to control pollution in respective villages and towns, etc. and encouraged everyone to keep our surroundings clean as well as to follow the procedures of waste segregation, waste management among others in our daily lives.
Moreover, he informed that as the government is focused on making every village and city clean therefore, the State of Meghalaya is also committed to work together to make our country clean and green in future.
The Commissioner and Secretary, PHE Syed Md A Razi IRTS, informed that about 100 plus Waste Collection e-Vehicles were distributed to the groups and clusters of Five Districts of Garo Hills Region. Stating that Meghalaya is perceptively a clean state however, a system and infrastructure should be in place to ensure and maintain cleanliness in future since waste is increasing day by day and managing even at household level is probably going to be difficult especially for the non biodegradable waste. These vehicles would help to transport the waste for disposal and he urged everyone to use the vehicles judiciously and for the right purpose and benefit the people at large.
Kharkutta MLA, Rupert Momin, Mission Director SBMG, Meghalaya Shillong J P Lakiang, Superintending Engineer, PHE Tura Circle cum Member Secretary DSBM (G), West Garo Hills, Ambrose D Sangma were among others who spoke during the occasion while CEO, Tura Municipal Board, Rikse Marak, Chief Engineer, PHE, B M Lyndem, Block Development Officers of Garo Hills Region, Officers and staff of PHE, President and Secretaries of Village Water and Sanitation Committees attended the function.
The programme was organized by Mission Director, SBM (G), Meghalaya, Public Health Engineering department, Government of Meghalaya.
