SHILLONG, FEB 10: A community cleaning drive was organised at the Jingkieng Nar River in Pynursla on February 7 to address increasing pollution in the water body and surrounding areas.

The initiative was led by the Nangri Society in collaboration with the Waste Management Committee and the Pdeng Raid Committee of Pynursla, with participation from local residents and volunteers. The drive focused on removing garbage and waste that had accumulated in the river due to improper disposal practices.

Speaking to the media, Nangri Society treasurer N. Juban Khongdup said the river was once known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance but has deteriorated in recent years because of careless dumping of waste and lack of maintenance. She said the clean-up effort was aimed at restoring environmental health and promoting public responsibility.

Khongdup appealed to residents and market vendors in Pynursla to actively participate in community cleanliness initiatives, noting that nearly five pickup loads of waste were removed from the river during the drive.

Nangri Society secretary Morningstar Khongshun stressed that sustained public cooperation is essential to protect rivers and public spaces. He urged citizens to dispose of waste only at designated collection points and avoid dumping garbage into water bodies.

Meanwhile, Pynursla Dorbar Shnong secretary Khraw Sohkhlet said similar cleaning drives were recently carried out at the Pynursla Stand Market and near the Jingkieng Nar River Bridge, areas affected by increasing pollution. He emphasised that cleanliness is a shared responsibility and called on residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices.

The Dorbar Shnong stated that such community initiatives will continue in an effort to preserve Pynursla’s environment and maintain public health.