SHILLONG: Pungweikyian under Nongjri Elaka in Pynursla C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills District, was recently declared an Open Defecation Free (ODF) village.
The declaration programme, held recently, was organised by the Department of Social Work (BSW 3rd year students) of St. Edmund’s College along with the villagers. This feat was achieved through various activities carried out by the students of St. Edmund’s College placed in the village as part of their field practicum in collaboration with the Community Led Total Sanitation Team (CLTS), East Khasi Hills District.
A jury consisting of K. Siej, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Pynursla, M.W. Kharkongor, District Coordinator (CLTS Team), A. Marbaniang, Block Coordinator (CLTS Team), a representative from the World Bank, an NESFAS member, local authorities of Umniuh-Tmar and faculty and students of St. Edmund’s College were present to inspect the village.
The programme began with a village transect walk for inspecting the sanitary (CAT method toilets) accomplishments which was followed by addresses from the dignitaries.
The dignitaries said that Pungweikyian, which is amongst the first village in Pynursla Block to achieve the ODF status despite lacking road connectivity, has set an example for others to emulate.
Certificates were distributed to S. Pariat, Headman, and K. Khongmawloh, Secretary and other representatives of Pungweikyian village in the presence of the residents.