Shillong, 5th June 2025: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the World Environment Day 2025 celebrations by participating in an avenue plantation drive of ornamental trees at Ummir Playground, Ummir Village, in New Shillong Township, East Khasi Hills. He planted a sapling at Umniuh Junction, marking the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Minister issued a passionate appeal for public participation and personal accountability in conserving the environment. Highlighting the alarming environmental degradation in West Khasi Hills and Mairang—illustrated by videos he captured during official aerial visits—he posed a thought-provoking question to citizens:
“Not what can I do, but what am I going to do today to protect my environment?”

He emphasized that:

“Every small action matters—whether it’s switching off unnecessary lights, saving water, or carrying your waste until proper disposal. These habits must become daily practices.”

The Chief Minister underscored that environmental change must begin with individual responsibility, not just policy pronouncements.

State Achievements & Green Commitments
Highlighting Meghalaya’s progress, he reported that over 1.84 crore saplings have been planted in the last five years, to afforest an additional 42,000 hectares.
He praised the GREEN Meghalaya+ initiative, India’s largest Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, which has conserved more than 52,000 hectares of forest with grassroots participation. This initiative integrates traditional sacred grove philosophies with modern conservation incentives.

“Through PES, we have protected forests not with force, but with partnership. This is sacred work and our duty to the generations ahead,” he said.

Launch of Mission Clean Shillong 2027
As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister launched Mission Clean Shillong 2027, aligning with the upcoming National Games 2027, to transform Shillong into one of India’s cleanest cities. He called on citizens to emulate waste-management practices of countries like Japan, emphasizing that real change must come from people, not mandates.

“If every Meghalayan decides not to throw garbage on the road, the need for government intervention will drastically reduce.”

He reiterated that awards such as the cleanest village or cleanest river should now be complemented by the cleanest city, through community ownership.

Policy Releases
Two key documents were unveiled:

Mission Clean Shillong 2027

Building a Climate-Resilient Green Economy

These are integral to Meghalaya Vision 2032, which aims to rank the state among India’s top 10 in terms of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and per capita income, through integrated approaches to waste management, urban planning, and green mobility.

Awards & Recognitions
The event concluded with awards recognizing excellence in environmental practices:

Educational Institutions
Colleges:

1st Rank: St. Edmund’s College

2nd Rank: Lady Keane College

Exemplary Commitment: Synod College, Martin Luther Christian University, Seng Khasi College

Higher Secondary Schools:

1st Rank: B.K. Bajoria HSS

2nd Rank: Auxilium HSS

Exemplary Commitment: Gorkha HSS, Synod HSS, Joseph HSS

Lower/Upper Primary:

1st Rank: Thomas Jones School

2nd Rank: All Saints School (Primary)

Exemplary Commitment: Sishu Mandir L.P. School, Madrasa H. Islam LP/UP School

Top 10 Clean Localities – Clean Shillong Grading
Mission Compound

Jaiaw Shyiap & Lumpyllon

Cleve Colony

Jaiaw Lansonalane

Jaiaw Pdeng

Riatsamthiah

Lumiablot

Wahingdoh

Nongrim Hills

Rynjah

GREEN Meghalaya+ and MegLIFE Awards
Forest Protection: Kur Nongsiang Clan (West Khasi Hills), Rongma Paromgre Community Reserve (South Garo Hills)

Best Compliance: Khlaw Adong Mawiongsung (East Khasi Hills), Nilwa Adinggre (South Garo Hills)

Youth Leadership: Balang Presbyterian Umsaw Nongbri, Darenggre Community Reserve

Eco-Tourism: Cham Cham Village (East Jaintia Hills), Tokkol Community Reserve (North Garo Hills)

Wildlife Conservation: Lumshken Village, Selbalgre Village

MegLIFE Awards
Afforestation Leaders: Malchapara Village (SW Garo Hills), Tlangpui Village (East Jaintia Hills)

Private Land Dedication: Shri Piding Sangma (40.08 ha), Shri Bhakam Hadem (60.52 ha)

Best Soil & Water Conservation: Mawlali Village (East Khasi Hills)

Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister (Urban Affairs) Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Chief Secretary D P Wahlang (IAS), Dr. Vijay Kumar D (IAS), Pravin Bakshi (IAS), Swapnil Tembe (IAS), PCCF & HoFF Shri R.S. Gill, officials from the Soil and Water Conservation Department, representatives of educational institutions, community leaders, and students.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks and a powerful collective pledge to safeguard Meghalaya’s ecological future, driven by the enduring spirit of individual and community action.