Mawlynnong, as a village, has clearly demonstrated that village can achieve the goal of zero-garbage, which no city/town has been able to complete and achieve. Message remains loud and clear that no hired system can do better than what community, which remains committed/considers/value ,can do and achieve. Cleanliness is not just a virtue for the village but as essence, spirit, commitment and way of life. Village also showcases that living with nature remains the best strategy and option for achieving sustainability, safety, livability, prosperity, inclusivity and quality of life

1. Unique Villages- Village Mawlynnong-Meghalaya -- Asia’s cleanest village
Source: Amazing India Blog
Villages in Indian are known for their poor health and hygiene with streets littered with
animal excreta and household waste. But Village Mawlynnong; located 90 km from Shillong,
along the India–Bangladesh border; in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya state in
North East India; remains an exception. Village is known globally for its cleanliness and was
chosen by Discover India magazine as Asia’s cleanest village. Located in the picturesque
mountains of Meghalaya, Mawlynnong village remains characterized by spotless clean roads,
hemmed with flowers and bamboo dustbins situated at every corner. This reputation has
boosted local tourism. Led by increase in tourism, village has been able usher an era of
prosperity with per capita income recorded an increase of 60 percent
The genesis of the cleanliness lies in the fact that use of smoking and plastic has been banned
in the villages. Further cleanliness is not outsourced but remains the duty of all the residents
of the village. In addition, cleanliness is not just a virtuous value but has become a way of
living. Village volunteers clean the streets at regular intervals, From the youngest to the
eldest, every single member of the community is involved in maintaining the village and
thanks to their efforts it is now considered to be the cleanest village in India, and Asia. Each
house in the village has the distinction of having a fully functional toilet since 2007. Each
house has bamboo dustbins installed for waste collection. Solid waste in the village is

2. managed by using pit for disposal of the garbage, which is then re-utilised as manure.
Villagers come together and clean public spaces, its school, and its clinic on Saturdays.
Inhabited by members of the Khasi tribe, the village has a matriarchal society, and
enjoys a high literacy rate. Housing 900 residents in 2019, Agriculture remains the chief
occupation of the local population, with betel nut being the main crop. During summers, pine
apples/lychees are exported to the nearby regions.
Most famous icon of Meghalaya is the- Nohwet Living Root Bridge, which has been created
by weaving the roots of the Ficus Elastica tree around a framework is located here. These
living root bridges are embodiment of Khasi traditional architecture and remains important for
the villages in the steep valleys /mountains, helping the people connect with each other and
travel to plains for trade. These fascinating bridges are built in harmony with nature and get
stronger as they grow older.
Mawlynnong, as a village, has clearly demonstrated that village can achieve the goal of zero-
garbage, which no city/town has been able to achieve. Message remains clear that no hired
system can do better than community, which remains committed/considers/value cleanliness
not just a virtue but a way of life. Village also showcase that living with nature remains the
best option for achieving sustainability, livability, prosperity and quality of life