Shangpung takes a step forward, aiming to follow Mawlynnong’s clean path

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 30, 2025

“Mawlynnong is known worldwide as Asia’s cleanest village. If each resident of Shangpung takes responsibility for cleanliness every day, our village too can one day walk ahead on that same path,” said Minister and MLA Comingone Ymbon while addressing a massive cleaning drive in Shangpung, West Jaintia Hills, on August 30.

The cleaning drive was organised by Shangpung College and initiated by Larishisha Suiam, daughter of the MLA, who holds an MBA from Australia and works there. Though based abroad, she returned with the vision of giving back to her community by inspiring a long-term culture of hygiene and civic responsibility.

The programme was strongly supported and funded by Minister Ymbon, who reminded the gathering that clean surroundings are not just about aesthetics but reflect the discipline and progress of a society. He urged students to be ambassadors of cleanliness, spreading awareness beyond their schools into homes, markets, and public spaces.

The drive began at Phramer, where shops across Shangpung remained closed in solidarity. Residents—men, women, youth, and children—joined with brooms, spades, and baskets to clean their courtyards, lanes, and common areas.

Students of Shangpung College concentrated their efforts on the Iawmuchai market, leaving it spotless by the end of the day.

Before the drive, a short gathering at Iawmuchai was attended by Minister Ymbon, EE PWD Shangpung Division K. Pakma, Governing Body President of Shangpung College P. Marwein, Principal Dr. D.G. Lyngdoh, Dolloi of Shangpung Elaka Chanki Langbang, community elders, and members of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Shangpung. Their presence underlined the shared vision of making Shangpung a model village.

Ymbon also called on residents to stop reckless littering, especially of plastics, and cautioned against throwing garbage and food packets from vehicles.

To strengthen waste management, he announced that Shangpung Pyllun will soon receive a brand-new garbage truck under his MLA scheme.

In her remarks, Larishisha Suiam said the initiative was a step to remind people that cleanliness must not remain confined to homes alone but must extend to public places, markets, and every corner of the village.

The August 30 drive became more than just a village activity—it was a symbolic step forward, setting Shangpung on the path of becoming Meghalaya’s next clean village, inspired by Mawlynnong’s shining example.