Jowai, Oct 2: The Minister in-charge of Social Welfare Department, Revenue, Kyrmen Shylla today inaugurated two projects funded by the District Mineral Foundation Trust, East Jaiñtia Hills District which included the Faecal Sludge Management and Septage Plant/ Organic Waste Converter at Khliehriat West in the presence of Shri. E. Kharmalki, Deputy Commissioner, East Jaiñtia Hills District and the members of the DMF Trust East Jaiָñtia Hills District.
The inauguration is part of the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2021 and celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day “Azadi Ka Amrut Mohatsav”, the Swachh Bharat Diwas was also held at Khliehriat West Community Hall, East Jaiñtia Hills District, Khliehriat.
The Deputy Commissioner of the District, E. Kharmalki, gave an overview on Organic Waste Converter and the Faecal Sludge Management and Septage Plant Project. He informed the gathering that East Jaiñtia Hills District is the first to implement the Faecal Sludge Management and Septage Plant Project in the state. He also informed that it is a non electrical Sewage Plant that uses aerobic technology and also explained about the bio-rock technology used in the filtering process of the sewage treatment plant.
He also informed that there will be many more projects namely the Bio Medical Waste Processing Unit, large scale compose plant, Co-process of plastic waste in cement plants and water treatment projects which will be implemented in the future.
The Minister, Kyrmen Shylla while addressing the gathering said that a cleaning drive is conducted every year on the 2nd of October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He emphasized on the need for a collective and a consistent effort right from the grassroot level in improving the cleanliness and sanitation of the areas and surroundings of the District.
On the topic of Environmental Protection, he stated that more conservation projects can be executed with the contribution of the District Minerals Fund (DMF), MGNREGA and contribution of the village dorbars, and also stated “There is a need to balance economic development and environmental protection” and urged upon the people of the district to work together as one in protecting the environment and it’s resources for a better future.
During the programme, Chiehruhphi village was declared as the first ODF Plus village in East Jaintia Hills District and the award was handed over by the Minister, Shri. Kyrmen Shylla to the headman of Chiehruphi Village. The Swachhata Champion Award 2021 was also presented to the headman of Lamyrsiang Village and Cham Cham Village for their exemplary role and significant contribution to the success of Swachh Bharat Mission and their continuous effort in promoting hygiene and sanitation in their respective villages.
The Best Swachhata Champion Award 2021 under the category of Best Swachhghari was awarded to Shri. First Suchen from Khliehriat C&RD Block and Shri. Arly Papeng from Saipung C&RD Block. It may also be mentioned that Jaintia Eastern College NSS Unit also received an award for their contribution to the success of Swachh Bharat Mission.
Others who spoke during the day were W. Diengdoh, State SLWM Consultant State Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), Meghalaya, Shillong; B. Dkhar, District Programme Manager, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and W. Buam, District Coordinator Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
