By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 31: In a major push towards environmental sustainability, the Polo Hotels Group has rolled out its second Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in Sohra, focusing on strengthening waste management infrastructure in the region.
The project, implemented through its group companies—Hotel Polo Towers Limited, Shillong and Manor Floatel Limited, Kolkata—was carried out in collaboration with the Rotary Guwahati Luit Trust and formally inaugurated at Polo Resort, Cherrapunjee, on Tuesday. The event witnessed active participation from local residents and stakeholders.
The initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Clean, Green and Safe Sohra Campaign’, launched by Hima Sohra in October last year, with execution responsibilities entrusted to the traditional institution.
As part of the project, essential assets were handed over to support waste management operations. These include a Tata 612 tipper truck for waste collection and transportation, four motorcycles for patrolling and monitoring, and public awareness signboards promoting cleanliness across key locations in Sohra.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman and Whole-time Director of Polo Hotels Group, Kishan Tibrewalla, said the initiative reflects the group’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and community welfare. He emphasised that Sohra holds special significance for the organisation and reaffirmed their pledge to contribute towards preserving its ecological balance. Adviser (Tourism), Hima Sohra, Alan West Kharkongor, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the intervention would help tackle pressing issues such as waste accumulation and open littering. He also informed that plans are underway to introduce a scientific waste management system aimed at making Sohra the first zero-waste town in northeast India.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rotary Club of Shillong President Chandana Das highlighted the importance of collaborative CSR efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Acting Chief of Hima Sohra, Mynjurlang Majaw, along with Syiem election Maremdor Syiem, assured that the donated resources would be effectively utilised to improve sanitation services and maintain hygiene standards in the tourist destination.
SDO (Civil), Sohra, Mark Andrew Challam, lauded the initiative, terming it a step forward in promoting responsible and sustainable development in ecologically sensitive areas.
The programme was attended by members of Hima Sohra, including Myntris and executive members, representatives of the Tourist Assistance Team, Rotary members, and senior officials from Polo Hotels Group.
