Mawlynnong is situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, which is one of the seven states of North-Eastern India. It was crowned the ‘Cleanest Village in Asia’ by Discover India. Also, called ‘God’s Own Garden’.
The Village, in brief
Cleanliness is the way of life in Mawlynnong, with the local people being the worshippers of nature and every individual in the community comes together to contribute to the cleanliness of their village.
It is one of the most progressive villages in India, with a literacy rate of more than 90%. It is a matrilineal society where the children take up their mother’s surname. The property and wealth are passed from the mother to their daughters. The village has 900 residents and about 95 households as of 2019.
The clean and green initiative was implemented back in the year of 1989 and has continued ever since. When asked about what initially motivated the people to collectively take action in the clean and green initiative, the responses were the increasing discomfort of living in a filthy environment full of human and animal defecation. In addition, the sudden occurrence of water-borne diseases because of an unsanitary environment and the increasing awareness on the health hazards of living in an unhealthy environment.
Methods
After receiving the title of the cleanest village, it has been a major tourist spot. The village council has conducted workshops to create awareness of the importance of sustainable eco-tourism. Furthermore, it has also imposed a fine if anybody is found littering around or cutting trees.
The use of plastics and the practice of smoking is prohibited in Mawlynnong. In addition, it is very common to find bamboo dustbins in every corner of the village.
Waste and dry leaves go straight into these handmade bamboo dustbins and they also convert their food waste into manure which is then used to plant new saplings.
People wake up early in the morning and clean up not only their house compounds but even step out of their houses to sweep and wash the roads and footpaths. All individuals old and young are a part of the process.
Cleanliness is not a personal thing but a community responsibility for the people in the village.
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