Will Meghalaya's Village Heads Shine at Delhi I-Day Celebration for SBM Achievements?

Shillong, Aug 13 (NationPress) As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), four village leaders from Meghalaya, along with their spouses, will attend the Independence Day Ceremony at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi as Special Guests on August 15, officials announced on Wednesday.

These village heads were selected for their outstanding contributions to promoting cleanliness, sanitation, and sustainable water and waste management. Their leadership has been pivotal in achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status under SBM-G and implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which ensures safe drinking water for every household.

Representing East Khasi Hills, Leverius Dkhar, Chairman of the Village Water and Sanitation Committee from Laitmynsaw, Mylliem Block, expressed: “The JJM has significantly enhanced our water supply, allowing us to receive water every morning and evening. As VWSC, we guarantee that water reaches every household, pipelines operate efficiently, and taps remain unblocked.”

Dkhar, who previously visited Delhi in 2022 for the JJM project, mentioned, “This recognition reflects the diligent efforts of our community, the PHE Department, and the government. I am proud, and this experience will motivate us to work even harder in the future.”

Laitmynsaw also earned Mylliem Block’s cleanliness award under SBM-G. From Lumshken, Khliehriat Block, East Jaintia Hills, Krin Dkhar voiced his gratitude and excitement for being recognized as a Special Guest at the national celebration.

“This is my first visit to Delhi, and I am thankful to the department for this opportunity. Previously, we had to fetch water from the nearby forest, but with the JJM scheme, every household now has water access. Our children no longer carry water from the jungle, and we benefit from clean water sourced from natural forest reserves for our daily needs,” shared Krin Dkhar.

He highlighted that the project's success stemmed from the strong collaboration between the local headman and the community. Cacino Marak, village head of Aminda Rangsagre village in West Garo Hills, is also representing the state as a Special Guest at the Independence Day Ceremony.

“We ensured toilets for every household, improved community toilets, implemented JJM, and established a plastic waste management unit,” she remarked.

The Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus Model Village status, introduced in 2019 under SBM-G, goes beyond mere ODF achievement by necessitating sustained sanitation measures coupled with effective solid and liquid waste management.

This model requires 100 percent coverage, regular audits, and certification, while promoting composting, greywater recycling, and maintaining clean community spaces.

Aminda Rangsagre achieved its ODF Plus Model Village recognition in 2022, standing out as one of only five villages in the Garo Hills to reach this milestone.

The village initiated biogas plants, composting units, and community cleanliness drives, supported by proactive local committees. These initiatives led to a decrease in disease prevalence, increased tourism potential, and integrated waste into craft-based livelihoods, officials stated.