Mawlynnong, a very small village in the State of Meghalaya is declared as the cleanest village in Asia. Surprisingly, while many of us may not be aware of the existence of this small village, yet it has created a name of its own in the global map.
The moment you enter Mawlynnong, a huge billboard welcomes you with the caption ‘Welcome to Mawlynnong – God’s Own Garden’ and at the same time you also get to read a list of do’s and don’ts on how to keep the village clean. These do’s and don’ts are for everyone: the locals as well as the visitors. Each and every individual residing here, including the old and the children, all are responsible to keep the village clean. It is a joint effort by everyone and maybe that is the reason it has become a heritage site today.
Below are some Green initiatives taken by Mawlynnong
Bamboo dustbin: One of the key highlights of the region is the bamboo dustbins placed in every nook and corner of the village. No one is allowed to throw any kind of litter on the ground. Everyone has to throw garbage in the bamboo dustbins.
Converting garbage into compost: It is worth noting that this small village has on its own taken up the initiative of collecting wastes and garbage from the dustbins. These are then kept in a pit dug in a forest nearby and then converted into manure.
Plastic bags banned: Mawlynnong is the only village in the country which has literally followed banning of plastics. No plastics are allowed in the village.
Imposing fines: Fines are imposed on anybody seen cutting trees or throwing litter around, though this is a very rare sight in the village.
Cleanliness taught in schools: Strange but true, lessons on cleanliness are imparted on kids and young children at school so that they know to remain clean and hygiene and maintain cleanliness.
Planting of trees: Planting of tress is a regular scenario in the village. The locals enjoy bountiful of fruits and vegetables grown in the forests of the village.
Sanitation: while in most rural villages in India, there are no toilets available and no proper sanitation facilities, Mawlynnong is one such village in India where every household has one attached toilet.
100% literacy: Here, there is 100% literacy. Besides being the cleanest city in Asia, Mawlynnong village has earned the distinction of being the highest educated village in India. Here, almost everyone can speak fluent English.
Modern cities and rural villages should learn from Mawlynnong’s villagers.If they can do it, then why can’t we?
