The Jowai Municipal Board in collaboration with local stakeholders, today organized an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programme under Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 at Jowai in West Jaintia Hills. The event, graced by Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Sports & Youth Affairs, and Home (Passport), served as the kickoff for “Swachhata Hi Seva 2025.”

Launched in 2021, SBM 2.0 aims to foster a garbage-free India through community-led sanitation drives and cleanliness initiatives. As part of the nationwide Jan Andolan (People’s Movement), the campaign encourages widespread public participation to promote hygiene and effective waste management.

In his address to the gathering, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, Hon’ble Minister, underscored the importance of collective action in fostering a cleaner environment. He stated, “Waste management is not only the responsibility of the government or municipal board but also a moral duty of every citizen.” He highlighted the critical role of sensitizing citizens to waste management practices and emphasized the vital contribution of youth in this effort.

Hon’ble Minister further announced that the government is on the cusp of establishing a scientific sanitary landfill in Jowai. This initiative, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, seeks to effectively contain and manage waste while advancing the broader mission.

During the programme, awards for the best-performing cleanest localities in Jowai were presented to Chilliangraij, Tpep Pale, and Lumkyrwiang. Similarly, the best-performing schools for the cleanest toilets were recognized as St Mary Mazzarello Higher Secondary School, North Liberty Higher Secondary School, Tpep Pale Secondary School, Khimusniang Presbyterian Secondary School, and H K Singh Memorial School.

Smt Vevotolu Kezo, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), West Jaintia Hills District, Jowai, highlighted that under SBM 2.0, the municipal board focuses on ensuring effective solid waste management, garbage-free conditions, and Open Defecation Free plus (ODF+) status for every locality. She informed that in Jowai Urban, the state government had rolled out measures to ensure the segregation of dry and wet waste, along with the establishment of a Faecal Sludge and Septage Treatment Plant (FSSP), which she described as a step in the right direction. She also emphasized the importance of collective action in building a cleaner environment.

Smt D.V. Lyngdoh, MCS, Chief Executive Officer of Jowai Municipal Board, delivered the welcome address, while Shri Manhunbeitki Passah, Executive Engineer, Jowai Municipal Board, offered the vote of thanks.

Shri. Jlan Kupar Rymbai, President of Synjuk ki Waheh Shnong, Jowai Urban, emphasized the need for sustained community involvement in sanitation efforts.

Earlier, as part of the programme, a “best out of waste” exhibition was organized, showcasing art made from recycled materials. The Hon’ble Minister, along with other dignitaries, distributed dustbins to participating schools during the exhibition and to all localities in Jowai.