By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 13: The deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all districts have assured the state government of fool-proof security to ensure a peaceful Independence Day celebration on August 15.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong assured that the 79th Independence Day would be celebrated without any untoward incident and that the turnout in the official function for the Independence Day celebration at Polo would be satisfactory.
Shillong is gearing up to celebrate the day in a befitting manner, with the entire stretch of Khyndai lad being decorated in tricolours and different government offices illuminated on the eve of the celebration.
Meanwhile, in recognition of their outstanding work in sanitation, cleanliness, and sustainable water management, four village heads from Meghalaya, along with their spouses, have been invited as special guests to attend the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on August 15, under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G).
The invitees are Leverius Dkhar, chairman of the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) of Laitmynsaw under Mylliem C&RD Block; Krin Dkhar of Lumshken village under Khliehriat C&RD Block; Cacino Marak, village head of Aminda Rangsagre in West Garo Hills, and Almen D. Shira from Williamnagar, Chachatgre, East Garo Hills.
Each has led their village to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus status under SBM-G and implemented the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to ensure safe drinking water reaches every household.
Laitmynsaw has also won Mylliem Block’s cleanliness award under SBM-G.
Krin Dkhar called the selection an honour and said it would be his first visit to Delhi. He recalled how villagers once fetched water from forests before JJM provided every home with a connection. The success, he said, was due to close cooperation between the local headman and the community.
Cacino Marak shared that her village’s initiatives included ensuring toilets for every household, upgrading community toilets, improving water supply, and setting up a plastic waste management unit. Aminda Rangsagre earned ODF Plus Model Village recognition in 2022, one of only five villages in the Garo Hills to achieve the milestone.
Their recognition at the Red Fort will showcase how grassroots leadership and community participation in Meghalaya are driving the state’s progress in national sanitation and water goals.
