Itanagar, Aug 24: Arunachal Pradesh’s Kugi Pomte village, situated 12 kilometres from West Siang district, sets an example of cleanliness. The villagers have taken up the initiative since 80s much and since then they have ensured that no garbage is left unattended for more than a day.

The village is a glaring example for other Indian villages because no one will find polythene bags, plastic bottles, dead animals, or littered trash in the village.

Kugi Pomte village secretary Jomgam Ete said, “The outbreak of malaria and other diseases in the ’80s was the main cause that prompted us to adopt cleanliness and sanitation in the village. We sensitised the villagers about keeping our surroundings clean and maintaining personal hygiene to keep diseases at bay.”

“Initially, it was tough, but people have realised the benefits of cleanliness, and it has helped in maintaining the tempo,” he said.

He said, “All non-biodegradable items are dumped at a designated place outside the village, from where a government agency collects them and takes them somewhere else. Dead animals and poultry birds are buried at a particular site.”

“There are some rules and regulations that have to be followed by all. Breaching the rules invites a penalty to the tune of Rs. 500. Besides, those who violate the rule will have to lift the garbage immediately,” Ete said.

In November 2003, the village achieved 100 percent sanitation by constructing individual household toilets. The village has nearly 30 households and a population of over 183 adult members.

The village received a trophy from the West Siang district administration for its sanitation drive in 2004. It was also conferred with the Nirmal Gram Puraskar by the then-state governor, JJ Singh, five years later.

The villagers conduct cleanliness drives twice a year, sometime in August and October 2nd.The date in August is decided by the villagers according to their convenience.

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