Shillong My Passion revived to involve residents in ‘clean city’ campaigns

SHILLONG, Oct 20: With an aim to instill a sense of responsibility towards a clean city, the ‘Shillong My Passion’ (SMP) programme was revived here on Thursday.
The SMP was initiated by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo with the launch of several programmes based on the theme “All about Waste Management”.
During her brief address, Laloo said ‘Shillong My Passion’ belongs to each and every resident of the city and has been launched with an objective of instilling a sense of responsibility towards a clean Shillong.
She said that the programme was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic but this being the 50th year of Statehood, there is a need to revive it in a befitting manner. “This will have a positive impact on the present as well as the future,” she said, while praising the stakeholders for their immense contribution and cooperation towards this programme.
The DC launched the first episode of the SMP video series which focused on Iainehskhem self-help group based at Marten, Shillong, wherein their efforts to turn waste into compost was documented.
This was followed by the launch of three more activities under SMP — best out of waste project; reduce, reuse, recycle and clean pitch challenge.
For the 18-35 age group, SMP has launched a ‘Clean Pitch Challenge’ for the public to put forward their ideas and concepts that will help clean the environment. Any
Individual or group of individuals within the above age group can register and submit proposals, with a maximum of two proposals per candidate.
The challenge encourages participants to dream big and develop a sustainable platform that can be replicated across the state, country and the globe, which is in keeping with the state government’s belief that Meghalaya’s youth have the potential to be world-changers.
The winning pitch should advocate strong, environment-friendly behaviour among the youth, promote positive behaviour on waste management, provide a platform for green-clean ideas and personalities to blossom and create a trend on responsible thinking in society.
For those between 16 and 18 years old, SMP has opened up a campaign to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in schools. Those interested are to form mini-clubs of between three and 15 members that will put into practice the 3Rs Principle in their day-to-day lives, be it at home, school or in their neighbourhoods.
To participate in the competition, each mini-club should take a video or photo of its members using recycled materials and upload these on social media while tagging @shillongmypassion and using the hashtag #shillongmypassion. Winners will be chosen through a combination of public engagement and the judgement of a select jury.
The Best out of Waste project is one that brings together youngsters and their parents in a fun yet collaborative way. This project encourages parents to upload videos or photos of themselves and their children working on such activities, upload these on social media while tagging @shillongmypassion and using the hashtags #shillongmypassion and #bestoutofwaste.
In addition, two other SMP activities launched to engage stakeholders — Operation Clean-Up will work with various communities through the Dorbar Shnongs in Nongrah, Lapalang and Umpling to take forward the cleaning, rejuvenating and protection of water bodies in these areas.
SMP has also collaborated with HYPE – Helping Young People Entertainment, the organisers of HILLS Festival 2022, to make the event eco-friendly while also raising awareness about waste management among the attendees.