Shillong, Oct2: The Swachh Bharat Diwas was observed on 2nd October 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicating several crucial projects to the nation, including the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant at Bomfyle Road in Shillong. Constructed by the Shillong Municipal Board under the AMRUT project, the plant signifies a major leap forward in the city’s sanitation and waste management efforts. To commemorate the occasion, the Shillong Municipal Board organized a parallel function at the project site, where the Prime Minister’s address and the plant’s inauguration were broadcast live. Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, graced the event as the special guest.
The newly inaugurated plant employs an advanced system that efficiently breaks down organic pollutants and utilizes high-speed centrifuges to enhance sludge digestion, making waste disposal safer and more effective. A critical component of this system is sludge dewatering, which reduces the volume of sludge significantly before its final disposal.
“The plant is set to benefit around 1 lakh households and has the capacity to treat 350 kiloliters of septage and wastewater per day. In addition, 18 SMB workers were recognized by the National Insurance Company Ltd with Janata Personal Accident Policies worth Rs 2 lakh each,” Dr. Lyngdoh wrote in her social media page.
Reflecting on the event, she further added, “I had the honor of participating in the Virtual Inauguration Ceremony of the Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Plant at the Shillong Municipal Board Complex, Bomfyle Road, Laitumkhrah, by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This event coincides with Swachh Bharat Diwas, celebrating the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.”
A standout feature of the plant is its dedication to promoting worker safety and dignity. By mechanizing the sludge treatment process, the plant eliminates direct manual contact with faecal sludge, ensuring sanitation workers have access to safer and more efficient tools. This initiative not only strengthens public health measures but also enhances environmental protection efforts. Over time, the role of municipal workers, including sweepers, waste collectors, and cleaners, has become increasingly appreciated by the community, underscoring their invaluable contribution to maintaining city cleanliness.
To recognize and appreciate their tireless efforts, the workers of the Shillong Municipal Board were felicitated during the event. The National Insurance Company Ltd. presented each worker with a Janata Personal Accident Policy worth ₹2 lakhs, ensuring their continued safety and well-being.